business plan for screen printing business

Screen Printing Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Screen Printing Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Screen Printing business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Screen Printing businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Screen Printing business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Customize-It Screen Printing is a startup screen printing company located in Atlanta, Georgia.  The company is founded by John Nelson, a recent graduate of Georgia University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. While pursuing his college education, John has worked part-time as a screen print operator for a local screen printing company. Now that John has gained the experience of screen printing and the education on how to successfully manage a business, he is ready to start his own company, Customize-It Screen Printing. John plans on recruiting a small team to help manage the day-to-day business operations of screen printing – marketing, packaging, and graphic design. Other business functions such as bookkeeping, customer support, and inventory management will be outsourced or completed using business management software.

Customize-It Screen Printing will provide customized screen-printing services for customers throughout the United States. With a wide range of products available, the company will work with any material that can be screen printed. Customize-It will be the ultimate choice for price and value.

Product Offering

The following are the products that Customize-It Screen Printing will be able to customize:

• Sweatshirts
• Backpacks & Other Bags
• Sports Equipment
• Electronics

Customer Focus

Customize-It Screen Printing will target individuals, groups, and businesses who are looking to get something customized. The company will target individuals looking to customize items for themselves or gifts for their friends or family members. Customize-It will also target businesses looking to add logos or other personalization to their company T-shirts, binders or other items for corporate events or advertising purposes. Additionally, the company will target groups and organizations looking to get something customized for gatherings like bachelorette parties, baby showers, or sporting events. No matter the customer, Customize-It Screen Printing will deliver the best communication, service, and quality products.

Management Team

Customize-It Screen Printing will be owned and operated by John Nelson. He has recruited a business school peer, Timothy Hall, to be the designer and help manage the marketing for the company.

John Nelson is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He has been working at a local screen printing company for several years as a screen printing operator. John’s organizational skills and attention to detail when it comes to both screen printing and business management have given him the confidence to venture out and open his own company.

Timothy Hall has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and an Associate’s degree in Graphic Design. He is skilled in the latest and most popular graphic designer technology. John relies strongly on Timothy’s design skills as well as his marketing and sales knowledge. Timothy has worked as a marketing manager for a local retailer for over ten years and is well equipped to take on a dual role as Customize-It Screen Printing’s Lead Designer and Marketing Manager.

Success Factors

Customize-It Screen Printing will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Wide range of items that can be customized. The company will work with any material that can be screen printed – from T-shirts and tote bags to wooden plaques and glassware.
• Customers from all over the United States can purchase screen printed products through the company’s website. Operating as a completely online business allows the company to reach a wider audience than a physical brick and mortar store in Atlanta would allow while keeping costs low.
• Customize-It Screen Printing offers competitive prices. The company saves money by operating on a lean business model. Customers benefit from these cost savings by getting products at lower prices than they would get from competitors.

Financial Highlights

Customize-It Screen Printing is seeking $80,000 in debt financing to launch its screen printing business. The funding will be dedicated towards purchasing screen printing equipment and supplies and for business management software. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll and marketing expenses. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Screen printing equipment, materials, and supplies: $30,000
• Business management software: $5,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, utilities): $30,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $5,000

Company Overview

Who is customize-it screen printing.

Customize-It Screen Printing is a newly established screen printing company in Atlanta, Georgia. The company will be the ultimate choice for price and value on custom orders for any material that can be screen printed. Customize-It will provide exceptional customer service for all of its online shoppers with 24/7 customer support and an extensive screen printing guide that will help each customer choose the right materials for their project. With a wide range of products available, the company will work with any material that can be screen printed.

The company’s small team of professionals will ensure that each order is processed smoothly and efficiently. Quality control is important to Customize-It Screen Printing, so the management team will ensure that only high quality materials are used and that each item is thoroughly checked for any flaws before being shipped to customers.

Customize-It Screen Printing History

Customize-It is owned and operated by John Nelson, a recent graduate of Georgia University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. While pursuing his college education, John has worked part-time as a screen print operator for a local screen printing company. John has begun recruiting a small team to help manage the day-to-day business operations of screen printing – marketing, packaging, and graphic design. Other business functions such as bookkeeping, customer support, and inventory management will be outsourced or completed using business management software to save on overhead costs.

Since incorporation, Customize-It Screen Printing has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Customize-It Screen Printing, LLC to transact business in the state of Georgia.
• Has begun to set up the work space in John Nelson’s garage and begun sourcing equipment.
• Has selected the business management software that will be used for customer relationship management, customer support, bookkeeping, and inventory management.
• Reached out to numerous potential suppliers to get quotes and product samples.
• Has begun recruiting a small team to help with marketing, design, screen printing, and operations.

Customize-It Screen Printing Services

The following are the types of products that Customize-It Screen Printing will screen print:

Industry Analysis

According to IBISWorld, the custom screen printing industry is valued at an estimated $9B. There are approximately 12,000 custom screen printing businesses operating in the U.S. with over 67,000 employees. Key external market drivers including per capita disposable income, corporate profit, total advertising expenditure for corporations, and the percentage of business that is conducted online versus in-person.

Apparel is by far the largest segment of screen printed products, accounting for approximately 49.4% of revenue share compared to other types of items such as mugs or plaques. There is an increasing trend for custom t-shirts and other garments by businesses, organizations, and individuals for a variety of purposes from advertising to teambuilding.

With the growing number of screen printing businesses and the increase in online shopping, industry operators can gain a competitive advantage by executing a top notch online marketing campaign, providing exceptional customer service, offering unique products or services, and maintaining competitive prices.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Customize-It Screen Printing will target individuals, groups, and businesses in the United States who are looking to get something customized. The company will target individuals looking to personalize items for themselves or gifts for their friends or family members. Customize-It will also target businesses looking to add logos to their company T-shirts, binders, or other items for corporate events or advertising purposes. Additionally, the company will target groups and organizations looking to get something customized for gatherings like bachelorette parties, baby showers, or sporting events. No matter the customer, Customize-It Screen Printing will deliver the best communication, service, and quality products.

The precise demographics for the United States are:

Customer Segmentation

Customize-It will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Individuals looking to customize items for themselves or gifts for friends and family.
• Businesses looking to add logos or other personalization to their corporate T-shirts, binders, or other promotional items.
• Groups looking to personalize T-shirts or other items for events such as bachelorette parties, baby showers, and family reunions.
• Organizations and sports teams looking to get T-shirts or other items customized for their team to keep or to sell for fundraising purposes.

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Customize-It Screen Printing will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Kustum Screen Printing

Kustum Screen Printing provides custom screen printing on-demand for customers in Atlanta and surrounding areas. The company’s list of products that can be screen printed includesT-shirts, apparel, hats, mugs, glassware, wood, binders, stickers, and more. Customers can design and purchase screen printed products through Kustum Screen Printing’s intuitive website. Products can then be shipped or picked up in-store.

Kustum Screen Printing’s promise is to deliver high quality products, exceptional customer services, and quick follow up on any issues with custom orders. The management team of experienced screen printing professionals ensures that each order is handled with the best of care.

Screen Print For You

Screen Print For You is an Atlanta-based screen printing company that provides outstanding customer service and fast processing on all custom orders. Screen Print For You provides personalized screen printing services for individuals, groups, and teams. The owners of Screen Print For You are graphic designers and marketing experts so they can help customers design their products for any purpose from family events to corporate advertising. Customers can depend on their unique screen printing process to create long-lasting designs that will be sure to make a great impression.

Make It Personal Screen Printing

Make It Personal Screen Printing is a trusted Atlanta screen printing company that provides superior custom screen printing services throughout the state of Georgia. The company is able to provide a one-stop shop for people looking for unique gifts for loved ones or for businesses looking to get marketing materials personalized with the company logo. Products include T-shirts, sweat shirts, hats, picture frames, keychains, stickers, and binders. Make It Personal Screen Printing is able to ship products throughout the state. Customers can also order online and pick up in store.

Competitive Advantage

Customize-It Screen Printing will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Customize-It Screen Printing will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Wide range of items that can be personalized. Customize-It will work with any material that can be screen printed. Customers can choose from products sourced from the company’s trusted suppliers or send in their own items to get customized.
• Unbeatable pricing to its customers- Customize-It Screen Printing operates using a lean business model that saves on overhead costs. These cost savings are then passed on to the customers in the form of deep discounts and lower prices than what competitors are offering for the same services.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Customize-It Screen Printing is as follows:

Social Media Marketing

The company’s marketing manager will create accounts on various social media platforms including TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. The marketing manager will maintain an active presence on all social media, updating accounts with the latest information, special promotions, and designs. Customers will be encouraged to post their purchases on social media and link to the company’s account to stimulate organic growth.

Print Advertising

Customize-It Screen Printing will invest in professionally designed print ads to be displayed in direct mailers, magazines, and newspapers. Direct mailers will be designed to target individuals and business customers.

Broadcast Advertising

The company will invest in commercials to play on multiple streaming platforms, TV channels, radio, and podcasts.

Website/SEO Marketing

Customize-It Screen Printing’s marketing manager will design the company website. The website will be well organized, attractive, and list all of the company’s products and pricing information. The website will include informative screen printing content to help customers choose the best materials for their project. The marketing manager will also enhance Customize-It’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that when someone types in the search engine “custom screen printing company” or “screen printing services”, Customize-It Screen Printing will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Customize-It Screen Printing will be competitive and lower than competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing the company’s products and services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Customize-It Screen Printing.

Operation Functions:

• John Nelson will be the Owner and Manager of the company. He will oversee the screen printing process and manage supplier relationships. John has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Timothy Hall – Lead Designer and Marketing Manager who will oversee the design process and handle all sales and marketing initiatives for the company.
• Kelly Smith – Operations Assistant who will oversee the packaging, logistics, and shipment of the products.

Customize-It Screen Printing will use business management software including customer relationship management, bookkeeping/accounting, and inventory management software for the bulk of its operational procedures. Maintaining a lean operational team will help the company save on overhead expenses.

Milestones:

Customize-It Screen Printing will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

9/1/2022 – Finalize contracts with suppliers.

9/15/2022 – Finalize employment contracts for Timothy and Kelly.

10/1/2022 – Purchase business management software.

10/15/2022 – Complete the company website.

10/22/2022 – Initiate the marketing campaign.

11/1/2022 – Officially open for business and begin taking orders.

Customize-It Screen Printing will be owned and operated by John Nelson. He recruited a business school peer, Timothy Hall, to be the designer and help manage the marketing for the company.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Customize-It Screen Printing are the screen printing fees that will be charged to customers for the products and screen printing services. The company will charge a 50% markup for products such as T-shirts or mugs that come from wholesale suppliers. Additionally, Customize-It will charge a flat $5 processing fee for each item.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs to maintain the screen printing equipment and the cost of the products themselves. The expenses will be the payroll cost, supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Average number of items screen printed per month: 500
• Average sales in dollars per month: $6,000
• Average overhead expenses per month: $12,500

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Screen Printing Business Plan FAQs

What is a screen printing business plan.

A screen printing business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your screen printing business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your screen printing business plan using our Screen Printing Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Screen Printing Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of screen printing business , some examples include: T-shirt/Clothing, Logos and Decals, and Advertising.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Screen Printing Business Plan?

Screen printing businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding. This is true for a screen printing business plan and a business plan for printing business.

What are the Steps To Start a Screen Printing Business?

Starting a screen printing business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Screen Printing Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed screen printing business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your screen printing business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your screen printing business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Screen Printing Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your screen printing business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your screen printing business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Screen Printing Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your screen printing business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your screen printing business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful screen printing business:

• How to Start a Screen Printing Business

Other Helpful Business Plan Templates

T-Shirt Business Plan Template Retail Business Plan Template

• Sample Business Plans
• Manufacturing & Wholesale

Screen Printing Business Plan

The art of printing graphics on different clothing products, such as t-shirts, is the main focus of a screen printing firm. It brings the creative side of yours to life, but start that with proper planning.

Need help writing a business plan for your screen printing business? You’re at the right place. Our screen printing business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free screen printing business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write a Screen Printing Business lan?

Writing a screen printing business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section to offer an overview of the business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

• Introduce your business: Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.
• This section may include the name of your screen printing business, its location, when it was founded, the type of screen printing business (E.g., commercial apparel printing, promotional products printing, contract printing), etc.
• Market opportunity: Summarize your market research, including market size, growth potential, and marketing trends. Highlight the opportunities in the market and how your business will fit in to fill the gap.
• Product and services: Highlight the screen printing services you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.
• For instance, you may include uniform printing & contract printing as services and mention custom screen printing carpets as your USP.
• Marketing & sales strategies: Outline your sales and marketing strategies—what marketing platforms you use, how you plan on acquiring customers, etc.
• Financial highlights: Briefly summarize your financial projections for the initial years of business operations. Include any capital or investment requirements, associated startup costs, projected revenues, and profit forecasts.
• Call to action: Summarize your executive summary section with a clear CTA, for example, inviting angel investors to discuss the potential business investment.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

Say goodbye to boring templates

Build your business plan faster and easier with AI

Plans starting from $7/month

2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

• Business description: Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:
• Custom apparel printing
• Promotional products printing
• T-shirt printing business
• Team sports uniform printing
• Event merchandise printing
• Graphic designing and printing studio
• On-demand printing
• Retail print shop
• Describe the legal structure of your screen printing company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.
• Owners: List the names of your screen printing company’s founders or owners. Describe what shares they own and their responsibilities for efficiently managing the business.
• Mission statement: Summarize your business’ objective, core principles, and values in your mission statement. This statement needs to be memorable, clear, and brief.
• Business history: If you’re an established screen printing service provider, briefly describe your business history, like when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.
• Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.
• Future goal: It’s crucial to convey your aspirations and vision. Mention your short-term and long-term goals; they can be specific targets for revenue, market share, or expanding your services.

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

• Target market: Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.
• For instance, retailers or e-commerce would be an ideal target audience for a screen printing business.
• Market size and growth potential: Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.
• Competitive analysis: Identify and analyze your direct and indirect competitors. Identify their strengths and weaknesses, and describe what differentiates your screen printing services from them. Point out how you have a competitive edge in the market.
• Market trends: Analyse emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.
• For instance, customized printing has a booming market; explain how you plan on dealing with this potential growth opportunity.
• Regulatory environment: List regulations and licensing requirements that may affect your screen printing company, such as business licensing, insurance, environmental regulations, intellectual property rights, etc.

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your screen print business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

• Event Merchandise Printing
• Wholesale and Contract Printing
• Online Print-on-Demand
• Specialty Printing Techniques
• Rebranding and Repurposing
• Cusomization: Describe the customer-available customization choices. Mention how you can satisfy particular design specifications, taking into account colors, sizes, locations, and printing methods.
• For instance, mention the inks you will use here and also design consultation if you provide any.
• Quality control: This section should explain how you maintain quality standards and consistently provide the highest quality service.
• This may include pre-production sampling, color matching, material & ink testing, wash & durability testing, etc.
• Additional services: Mention if your screen printing company offers any other services. You may include services like support for rebranding, graphic design aid, fulfillment services, etc.

In short, this section of your screen printing plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

• Unique selling proposition (USP): Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.
• For example, high-quality inks, quick turnaround times, and customization options could be some of the great USPs for a professional screen printing company.
• Pricing strategy: Describe your pricing strategy—how you plan to price your services and stay competitive in the local market. You can mention any discounts you plan on offering to attract new customers.
• Marketing strategies: Discuss your marketing strategies to market your services. You may include some of these marketing strategies in your business plan—social media marketing, Google ads, brochures, content marketing, and print marketing.
• Sales strategies: Outline the strategies you’ll implement to maximize your sales. Your sales strategies may include direct sales calls, partnering with other businesses, offering referral programs, etc.
• Customer retention: Describe your customer retention strategies and how you plan to execute them. For instance, introducing loyalty programs, discounts on bulk orders, personalized service, etc.

Overall, this section of your screen printing business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your screen printing business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

• Staffing & training: Mention your business’s staffing requirements, including the number of employees or designers needed. Include their qualifications, the training required, and the duties they will perform.
• Operational process: Outline the processes and procedures you will use to run your screen printing business. Your operational processes may include sending quotations, scheduling appointments, designing, meetings with clients, etc.
• Equipment & machinery: Include the list of equipment and machinery required for screen printing, such as screen printing press, screens & frames, conveyor dryer, ink mixing station, etc.
• Explain how these technologies help you maintain quality standards and improve the efficiency of your business operations.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your screen printing business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

• Founder/CEO: Mention the founders and CEO of your screen printing company, and describe their roles and responsibilities in successfully running the business.
• Key managers: Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.
• It should include, key executives(e.g. COO, CMO.), senior management, and other department managers (e.g. operations manager, customer services manager.) involved in the screen printing business operations, including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the industry.
• Organizational structure: Explain the organizational structure of your management team. Include the reporting line and decision-making hierarchy. Compensation plan: Describe your compensation plan for the management and staff. Include their salaries, incentives, and other benefits.
• Advisors/consultants: Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.
• So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information consisting of roles and years of experience.

This section should describe the key personnel for your screen printing services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

• Profit & loss statement: Describe details such as projected revenue, operational costs, and service costs in your projected profit and loss statement. Make sure to include your business’s expected net profit or loss.
• Cash flow statement: The cash flow for the first few years of your operation should be estimated and described in this section. This may include billing invoices, payment receipts, loan payments, and any other cash flow statements.
• Balance sheet: Create a projected balance sheet documenting your screen printing business’s assets, liabilities, and equity.
• Break-even point: Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.
• This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.
• Financing needs: Calculate costs associated with starting a screen printing business, and estimate your financing needs and how much capital you need to raise to operate your business. Be specific about your short-term and long-term financing requirements, such as investment capital or loans.

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more.These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your screen printing business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample screen printing business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful screen printing plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our screen printing business plan pdf .

Related Posts

Printing Press Business Plan

3D Printing Business Plan

Writing a Business Plan Cover Page

Why Should You Review Your Business Plan

How to Craft Business Plan

10 Key Elements of Business Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you need a screen printing business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful screen printing business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your screen printing company.

How to get funding for your screen printing business?

There are several ways to get funding for your screen printing business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

Small Business Administration (SBA) loan

Crowdfunding, angel investors.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your screen printing business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your screen printing business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your screen printing business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any screen printing business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

Turn your business idea into a solid business plan

Explore Plan Builder

Plan your business in the shortest time possible

No Risk – Cancel at Any Time – 15 Day Money Back Guarantee

Create a great Business Plan with great price.

• 400+ Business plan templates & examples
• AI Assistance & step by step guidance
• 4.8 Star rating on Trustpilot

Streamline your business planning process with Upmetrics .

How to Start a Screen Printing Business (and Make Nearly $1M/Year)

Have you ever wondered how to start a screen-printing business? You can start screen printing with $10,000 or less. We’ll show you how to make a great living running a screen printer.

Forrest Wedmore and Clint Graham started The Foundry in 2010 as a custom t-shirt company. The screen printing company that they were using was struggling and sold them the screen printing equipment for $10,000. 11 years later the Foundry is making nearly $1m per year!

Forrest took the time to explain they started The Foundry. He gave us a ton of great advice about how to start your own t-shirt company that we’ll include while providing a step-by-step guide to start a screen-printing business.

Step 1: What’s the Best Way to Start a Screen-Printing Business?

The first step in the process of starting a screen printing shop is to research to determine whether a print shop is right for you. Screen printers can make great money, but every business owner has a different mindset.

You may want to run a store focused on a specific group, such as company t-shirts, one that caters to everyone, or you may want a warehouse where you focus on e-commerce.

You aren’t limited to just one type, but the type of printing company you choose will impact every decision you make going forward.

The Foundry focuses on printing, embroidery, and selling custom garments. Forrest told us:

Many consumers start their shopping experience online, so a shop that can sell clothing in person or online is recommended to start your clothing line.

Keep reading for different types of printing companies.

Printing for Private Label T-shirts

This is the type of printing Forrest does. Printers focus on printing for specific brands. 

A business plan using this model typically focuses on a niche market to satisfy their needs and may expand into other markets later while maintaining the same brand.

A franchise is just a business that has already developed a reputation and business processes. They let owners purchase the right to use a company’s branding and process in exchange for a licensing fee and percentage of revenue.

Franchises also help you with aspects like marketing, sales, and sourcing equipment. To learn more about starting a franchise printing company, check out our blog about Big Frog .

Retail T-shirt Printers

Printers that operate this way are commonly in malls and have shops that focus on retail customers that have small order sizes.

They’ll typically have a higher price per shirt, but that’s because the costs associated with the screens and design are covered by a smaller order than bulk print orders.

With the rise of eCommerce, this part of the industry is hurting. Closures of retail stores have been increasing for at least the last 3 years according to Moneywise .

Despite this, Digital Commerce says retail sales have increased around 3% per year since 2007, meaning locations that stay open make money.

This business model works with franchisees and stores that run a tight ship. They tend to need sales of $40k/month to be safe. Otherwise, you’ll probably want to start a different way.

That is comparable to what Forrest told us about his costs:

Printing for E-commerce

Many clothing companies, print-on-demand companies, or other e-commerce businesses hire a printer to press and ship the clothing their customers order from their website.

Printers can make great money doing this because they will typically get an additional payment for handling the shipping.

How much does it cost to start a screen-printing business?

Forrest told us “We started the business with $10,000 and a U-haul.”

When starting a screen-printing business, start-up costs can range from a few hundred dollars to $150k for a franchise.

Is a screen-printing business profitable?

It can be profitable as they are making around $3,500 per day, but you’ll need to control the expenses in the early stages of the company.

Step 2: Learning how to screen-print

The next step is learning how to start screen-printing. Some of the skills you might need include:

• Technology.
• Business Skills.

Let’s dig deeper into each of these to see how they impact starting a screen printing and embroidery business.

Design Skills

Before you can begin screen printing shirts, you’ll need a design for your screen printing press or other types of printers.

T-shirt designs will typically be designed using digital software, like Photoshop or Illustrator . Adobe has a ton of tutorials on how to use both.

If you are using a screen printer, you’ll then create the screen from the design, which we’ll go into later. If you want to avoid this step, there are other types of printers.

For instance, a direct-to-garment printer costs around $22,000 for the printer and the software. This equipment allows you to go straight from design to print.

 Technology

The next skill you need to develop is familiarity with the technology aspect of the industry. The technology falls into two categories:

• Production and screen printing skills.
• Technology to support your business.

Let’s look at each.

Production and Printing Skills

Your screen printing business will need to produce t-shirts,  and you’ll be doing it. Otherwise, you should research print-on-demand companies like Printful.

If you don’t already print garments, you’ll need to learn how to operate different types of machines.

Some of the typical techniques you’ll need to learn include:

• Screen Printing
• Direct to Garment
• Transfer Printing
• Cad Cut Vinyl

Forrest walks you through the direct to garment printing process at the 8:14 mark of the interview .

Printsome offers a good infographic on deciding what kind of technique you want to use.

The best way to learn these screen printing and heat transfer techniques is hands-on, which means purchasing your own machines or finding someone who will teach you.

Other ways to learn t-shirt printing skills, like heat transfer, are YouTube videos and manufacturer training courses. Just search “screen printing training courses” to find great resources.

Technology to support your screen printing business

I’ve seen people spend $25k to not get what they want from technology investments. It’s important to understand the technical aspect before you start.

Technology that will need to be used includes:

• An eCommerce platform. Read Investopedia’s review of the best platforms .
• Payment processors .
• Editing Software.
• Marketing Software .

This information is really important when trying to figure out how to start a t-shirt printing business because a great website and software can save you time and allow you to expand your customer base to a national or global level.

If you want to learn more about building a website, check out our blog How to Create a Website .

Most tech companies offer a free trial or low-cost tutorials on how to use their software. Make sure to use them. They were built to help you make the most of their offerings.

Business Skills

Business skills cover a wide range, including accounting, pricing, shipping, and managing inventory.

To educate yourself on all of these would be a lifetime of learning. We’ve provided a list of useful resources for getting more familiar with the subject matter:

• Accounting – Udemy , EDX
• Pricing – Coursera , Udemy
• Shipping – Shopify , BigCommerce
• Inventory Management – TradeGecko , Unleashed
• Marketing- We’ll cover this in greater detail below

You can also use YouTube videos to learn almost anything these days.

Marketing is about going where your target audience is to help them become aware of your screen printing services. Marketing can be done both online and through other channels.

Three of the largest marketing companies expect digital marketing to make up over half of all ad spend in 2021. To read more of their insights, check out this blog .

You’ll need to be familiar with the largest places where you can market your print shop:

• Facebook/Instagram -Direct-to-Consumer traffic
• Google – Search Traffic
• Amazon – Largest Retailer, great for private brands
• LinkedIn – Great for B2B sales

It’s important to have social media accounts connected when starting a screen-printing business. They help drive awareness, give you a channel to connect with customers, and allow you to set up shops to sell your products.

Each site has a ton of resources to educate people on their marketing tools. Make sure to familiarize yourself with them; otherwise, you’ll be operating in the dark and wasting a lot of money.

Marketing is focused on developing awareness of the organization and turning those who are aware into paying customers.

Step 3: Shirt Business Name

I can’t stress enough the importance of what you name your company. It will communicate what the company is all about. Keep reading for best practices.

Does the name explain the business?

The Foundry Co does not clearly state what it does: screen print and embroider clothing and other products. It references metalworking both in the name and the logo.

I feel like this is something that could make running a business a challenge, but the name also conveys the idea of well-made craftsmanship.

The easier it is to identify what the company is focused on, the easier it is for your target audience to find it while preventing wasted spending on industries that use similar wording.

Is it easy to spell?

Make sure your business name is easy to remember when using a search engine.

A crazy name like Onomatopoeia Printing makes searching for your business difficult cause it’s hard to spell. The Foundry is easy to spell and remember.

Because people tend to type fast, it can be helpful to register domain names for common misspellings of your company’s name and forward them to your website to make it easier for customers to find you.

Including your state, county, or city identifies you as a local business. For example, Windy City Screen Printing would be focused on screen printing in Chicago.

Does your name fit your branding? Some business owners focus on visual ideas for a logo before a name. The Foundry’s logo looks like this:

The saving grace for the logo is they include the word “print shop” in the logo. Without that, it would be hard to tell what it is. Make sure to make it easy for people to understand what your company does.

Register a .com

Find a name for which the .com domain is available. It’s the most recognizable. You can search by clicking here .

Give it a go!

See how people like it. Make sure to check what happens if people shorten it. 

You wouldn’t want to name a business Super Crazy Athletic Tees because it would get shortened to SCAT, and you don’t want that to be associated with your brand.

Check Google Trends. Read articles like Five Tools for Naming a Business. Finally, register your business name with the government.

Step 4: Write a T-shirt Screen Printing Business Plan

You need a business plan to help define your vision for the screen printing company’s objectives and strategy.

Its purpose is to drive the direction of your screen printers’ decisions, secure financing, and develop partnerships with other businesses. 

Having a flexible business plan that is constantly evolving is a great approach to the process and allows for businesses to pivot when necessary. Here are some resources to help with this step.

We’ve gathered templates to help you develop your business plan. Here are some of the best:

• One-page business plan
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Guide
• State-specific templates
• Business Plan Template for a Startup Business

It gets better! Here’s some free and low-cost education on business plans:

• UpFlip’s blog How to Write a Business Plan
• SCORE’s free business plans and startup assistance resources
• The Complete Business Plan Course (Includes 50 Templates)

Step 5: Establish the legal structure to screen-print

You’ve created a name and business plan. It’s time to establish the legal structure. For best results, hire legal representation that has experience starting a business, like an attorney, accountant, or tax specialist.

They’ll help you get your business started quickly so you can start printing faster.

Licenses, permits, and tax forms

Each location has different licenses, permits, or tax forms required. Use the SBA License and Permits page to identify what your custom tees company needs. Keep reading for information on different legal structures.

Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the easiest way to start a t-shirt business, but the structure doesn’t protect the owner’s assets from legal issues.

That means if something goes wrong, you could lose both your printing company and your home.

This structure should only be used if you can’t afford an LLC because shirt businesses have work and materials that can cause injuries to employees or customers.

To start a sole proprietorship, fill out a special tax form called a Schedule C . Sole proprietors can also join the American Independent Business Alliance .

Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)

An LLC is the most common business structure used in the United States because the company protects the owner’s assets.

It’s similar to partnerships and corporations but can be a single-member LLC in most states. An LLC requires a document called an operating agreement.

Each state has different requirements. Here’s a link to find your state’s requirements .

People may register in specific states due to the cost of doing business. Delaware and Nevada are common states to file an LLC because of their business-friendly laws. Here’s a blog on the top 10 states to get an LLC.

Partnerships and corporations

Partnerships and corporations are typically for massive organizations or legal firms. Unless there is a specific reason you need a partnership, it is better to do a multi-person LLC.

Investopedia has good information about partnerships and corporations here .

There are several opportunities to purchase t-shirt franchises.

Franchising.com has two franchise opportunities in the United States that allow you to start a t-shirt business using a reputable company’s name and business processes.

A franchise makes it where an entrepreneur can benefit from the reputation of an established clothing printer that has already worked out many of the kinks of starting from scratch.

Step 6: Getting Ready for Customers

Your screen printing business is now an entity, but there’s more to do. 

The order you do the rest of the steps will depend on the resources you have, your skill sets, and the type of print company you are running.

There are six areas of business you will need to focus on to get you running:

• Location – Where will you be working?
• Equipment and Inventory – What will you have in stock and how will you pay for it?
• Employees – Will you have employees and how will you make sure it is a safe environment?
• Finances – How will you keep track of transactions and financial records?
• Insurance – How can you protect what you are building?
• Marketing – How will you find customers?

Step 7: Location

Finding a location will vary based on the type of screen printing business you are running. For instance, if there are certain major clients you are trying to target, being located near them can be beneficial.

Otherwise, you may want to choose the location based on the wealth distribution of the area, based on the price of space, or choose a central location that is convenient for more people.

When deciding to rent a space for a clothing line, consider:

• How will I store equipment and inventory?
• Is there space for a home-based office?
• Will customers be coming to my location?
• How much inventory will I have?
• How much display space do I need?
• How much space is needed to store inventory?

When opening a screen printer, you will probably need to rent space in your area. Whether the space is a warehouse, a storefront,  or U-Haul, you’ll need to plan to make sure you have the proper setup.

How much space do I need for t-shirt printing equipment?

A discussion in T-shirt Forums suggests a minimum of 320 square feet for a 6 color/6 station clothing printing machine.

That assumes you only have one screen printer machine. You’ll need more space for silk screen supplies, inventory, and office space.

Typically you’ll want about 500 square feet per occupant plus space for the tee shirt printing machine.

That means at the very least you’ll need about 900 square feet to make sure you have the space you need to work and store everything.

To find spaces to rent in your area, contact a local commercial real estate agent. You can search for them in your area here.

Step 8: Professional T-shirt Printing Machines and Product Displays

A new screen printing business requires inventory. You’ll need the shirts you’ll be selling, product display stands, registers, computers for design, and the machines for adding designs.

You’ll need machines based on the different types of t-shirts. These can range from heat presses to DTG printers to embroidery stations.

A professional t-shirt printing machine that is recommended in other blogs is the Brother DTG Printers .

Starting a Clothing Line  offers a list of manufacturers by location and type of clothing. It’s a great place to start when looking for manufacturers.

Used printing machines and product displays

Screen printing equipment for shirts and product displays can often be found at huge discounts if you buy them used.

You can find printers and product displays through most online markets, pawnshops, going-out-of-business sales, and other places.

If you are considering buying an existing business, the equipment, the suppliers, and the client list are the most valuable aspects of the company. 

Learn more about valuing an existing business in our guide about buying businesses.

Step 9: Employees

Forrest emphasized the importance of great employees. He told us:

He also told us not to make the same mistakes he did. Screen printers tend to be creative. They have a different mindset than accountants. He said that every creative should have a great bookkeeper.

When you hire employees, you’ll need to meet some obligations. Let’s discuss common requirements.

Tax filing and withholding

Federal and state tax filing requirements apply to new employers. You must keep records of employment taxes for at least four years, including special forms and accounting for state taxes.

Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered! Check out the IRS guide for employers here .

Federal employment and labor law posters

All employers must display Workplace Posters , which you can download from the website.

Other requirements include:

• Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)
• State’s New Hire Program
• Worker’s Compensation Insurance
• Disability Insurance—varies by states
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Job Posting

Hiring people requires posting “now hiring” signs and posting on prominent job boards. Some places you can start posting job requirements are:

• Zip Recruiter

Having a prepared list of questions for interviews can make hiring the right people easier. Indeed offers a variety of resources to help you make better hiring decisions. Read their guide: How to hire your first employee.

Given this is a skilled trade, I’d recommend having them do a physical test to identify silk screen supplies and show you how to do screen printing.

While you can teach someone how to operate a clothes printing machine, it’s easier if they know how.

Compensation

Employees are typically a company’s biggest expense. There are four common pay structures in business:

Each fits different scenarios. Let’s take a closer look.

Flat weekly/monthly rate based on a person working a specific number of hours. This is typically reserved for owners, managers, and some admin roles. You might want to assign this to yourself for budgeting purposes.

This pay structure just tracks the hours an employee works and pays them a set hourly rate. This pay structure is solely based on time, not performance.

In Portland, Sanford says, “I pay my employees $14 to $16 per hour.”

Typically used in sales to give employees a percentage of revenue. It is a strictly performance-based compensation model.

Hybrid Models

Hybrid models combine two pay structures — for instance, hourly and commission—to compensate for time and performance.

The hourly rate will typically be lower than an hourly rate without commission, but the commission should make it where high-performing employees make more than they would without commission.

These structures also help reduce the variability of pay from week to week.

Paying employees an hourly wage works for most screenprinting businesses, but depending on your business structure, a commission or hybrid payment model might make sense.

The article , “How to Create a Pay Structure That Promotes Team and Company Growth” offers some insights into thinking about pay structure.

Also check out payscale.com for estimates on how much to pay for screen printers in your area.

Step 10: Financial Management

A crucial portion of successfully starting a small business is managing the finances. Here are some tips and resources to help you get started with the financial management of your print shop.

Budget! Budget! Budget!

A budget is the most important tool you can use in business. Without it, your screen printing business might not make it through the first few years.

Some of the best free budgeting software includes:

• dsBudget – open-source software that requires some development experience
• Quickbooks – used by millions to make their accounting easy by setting up rules, directly connecting with their bank(s), and more.
• Xero – I have some experience with them. I was introduced to them through an Australian client, and people love them. It allows you to automate most of your processes but is meant to be set up by an accountant and software developer so that the platform works specifically based on your location(s) tax needs.

Consider the many funding options

While Forrest started Foundry with a $10k loan from family, other printers we have talked to have started their company with less than $1,000.

In our interview with Marcus from Portland Gear, Marcus suggests beginners use the following:

• A print-on-demand company.
• Social media marketing of less than $500/mo.

Common funding paths include:

• Personal funds
• A loan from family or friends
• Funds from a business partner(s)
• Government programs

The SBA offers free courses on financing options and funding programs . For info on using personal funds to start a business, check out this article from The Hartford.

Alternative sources of funding include:

• Crowdfunding  
• Credit cards
• Home equity loan
• Rollover for business startups (ROBS)

Develop a pricing structure

Screen printing prices vary, so research the market in your area to come up with a good pricing structure. Forrest told us:

Step 11: Sales Tax and Insurance

Sales taxes.

All but five states and some cities (or counties) require sales tax. You can find a guide on applying for sales tax on TaxJar . After you register to pay sales taxes, you will need to keep track of the sales to pay them according to state laws.

I would highly recommend speaking with an accountant that specializes in taxes to help you comply with your business’s unique needs.

You’ll need unemployment insurance and worker’s compensation if you have employees. You may also want a general liability policy to protect against unforeseen events that could cause substantial losses.

Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment insurance protects employees from entirely losing income when they lose their jobs.

It is paid for on both the federal and state level. Federal unemployment insurance is driven by a 6% tax on the first $7,000 of each employee’s income, a total of $420/year per employee.

Your state taxes can reduce the federal portion down to $42/year per employee, but each state has different requirements. You can find a full list of agencies that deal with UI on nolo.com .

Workers Compensation

Workers Compensation is for when people are injured on the job. There are both federal and state requirements. You can find both federal and state requirements at dol.gov .

The policies protect against excessive costs when an employee is injured through acceptable business practices.

General Liability Policy

A general liability policy is not required, but it is highly advised if people other than employees will be at your location. It protects against lawsuits. Contact an insurance agent to get a quote.

 Step 12: Marketing

You’re ready to sell shirts. You have the location, equipment, inventory, and employees, but no clients!

How are you going to let people know you have a press, ink, and are ready to print quality tees?

Marketing is crucial!

Forrest stressed the importance of asking to show all your work on social media.

That tip can save money during the start-up phase.

Other suggestions he had are:

• Build relationships. Networking is what makes a business succeed. It pays off.
• Continually focus on SEO. Start by familiarizing yourself with Google requirements .
• Check the customers’ previous print jobs to give you ideas of how to sell more shirts.
• Follow up! It makes a difference.
• Try to upsell them. If you love their artwork, suggest putting it on stickers too.
• Use analytics.
• Don’t forget business cards .

Using software like Hootsuite makes managing social media easier. You can schedule posts, assign team members to manage specific sites and access all your social media in one place.

In addition, they keep up with the requirements for each platform for you and update you when you enter the dashboard.

A CRM like Hubspot can make keeping track of clients easier as well.

You can integrate it with almost everything, including emails, invoicing, inventory, and your accounting to make sure that you know what is going on with every client. 

Influencers

One of the best ways to learn what works in marketing and business is to follow others who rock their industries. Some of the top influencers to follow are:

• Gary V – He turned a wine company into serial entrepreneurship with a focus on marketing. If you struggle with marketing, check out what he does. He’s awesome!
• Screen Printing Blogs – a list of 40 blogs focused on t-shirt printing.
• SEO Influencers – Randy Fishkin , Danny Sullivan , and Neil Patel

Is it hard to start a screen-printing business?

Forrest told us:

If screen printing T-shirts sounds interesting to you, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have the required screen printing start-up costs?
• Am I comfortable operating a screen printing machine?
• Will I be comfortable speaking to clients?
• Where will I buy my screen printing supplies?
• Why am I starting a clothing business?
• Do I need employees or advice?
• What will I need to feel successful?

We’ve given you the steps to starting a screen-printing business. There’s just one more step: Start your own!

Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions, we’ll be more than happy to help!

80% of businesses fail... Learn how not to.

Learn from business failures and successes in 5 min or less. The stories, frameworks, and tactics that will make you a 10x better founder.

Brandon Boushy

Related articles

Small Business Insurance Cost: 17 Things to Know

How to Open a Coffee Shop and Grow It to 19 Locations (2024)

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP): The Complete Guide

Having gone through the informative blog on "How to Start a Screen Printing Business," I'm intrigued by the mention of equipment but specifically want to delve deeper into the world of screen printing machines. The blog provides a general overview, but I'd like to hear from those who have hands-on experience. What are the key considerations when selecting a screen printing machine? Any recommendations or pitfalls to avoid? Let's share insights on finding the perfect screen printing machine for a successful startup.

Am a newbie in the screen printing business. I need more insight on how to kick start with little income here in Nigeria.

Become a business owner in less than 90 days

Start your 10-day free trial of the UpFlip Academy and learn how to start your own business from scratch.

Get business advice straight to your   Inbox 

• Business Ideas
• Registered Agents

How to Start a Screen Printing Business in 14 Steps (In-Depth Guide)

Updated:   February 6, 2024

BusinessGuru.co is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

The screen printing industry is heading up, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% from 2023 to 2030 . As of 2022, the market reached $489.63 billion, meaning by 2030, you’re looking to make a nice profit.

For entrepreneurs considering starting their own screen printing company, now may be an opportune time to get into this growing industry and establish a specialty niche or competitive advantage. With some initial equipment, supplies, and elbow grease, screen printers can start turning profits on small-batch orders from local businesses and expand from there.

This guide will explain how to start a screen printing business. Topics include sourcing materials to screen print, opening a business bank account, registering an EIN, market research, and more. Here’s everything you need to know to start your own screen printing business.

1. Conduct Screen Printing Market Research

Market research is an integral part of starting any screen printing shop. It offers valuable insight into trends in the screen printer market, your target audience, local market saturation, and other information needed to start screen printing.

Some details you’ll learn through marketing as a successful screen printing business include:

• The best opportunities are in printing on textiles like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats.
• Companies making custom prints for promotional products and apparel can target local businesses, event planners, schools, nonprofits, and more.
• Athletic teams, music groups, and other organizations need jerseys, tees, and sweatshirts printed regularly.
• With low startup costs, even home-based screen printing businesses can profit from these consistent local sources of demand.
• Signage and decal printing is another major service, making up 20% of revenue. Greeting cards are also a popular choice.
• Banners, vehicle wraps, window decals, yard signs , and more are needed by many of the same clients that order apparel printing.
• Restaurants, realtors, and event venues will pay for quality signage that builds their brand.
• Focusing on superior customer service and fast turnaround times can help new printing companies stand apart.

Large runs for big corporate clients offer high-volume business but require significant equipment investments. New entrants may want to perfect their operations with smaller orders first. Outsourcing production during peak times is an option to handle overflow without expanding too quickly.

2. Analyze the Competition

Understanding the competitive landscape is key for new screen printing companies. Locally, drive around to identify existing shops and assess factors like location, signage, facility size, and branded vehicles.

Some ways to find details on local competitors include:

• Examine industry reports to learn the market share of top printing firms like Deluxe Corp .
• While unlikely competitors initially, their expansion plans may influence local opportunities.
• Review trade journals and communities to find common pain points like capacity constraints and bottlenecks.
• Joining a print association provides access to industry benchmarks.
• Search online directories and platforms like Yelp to see their services, reviews, and ratings.
• Look up their websites and social media to evaluate their portfolio, pricing, and messaging.

Online competitions are growing. Their infrastructure makes it easy for individuals and small businesses to design and sell printed products. New printing companies can still compete by focusing on the fast local turnaround. Offering integrated design services is another way to provide more value than pure order fulfillment.

3. Costs to Start a Screen Printing Business

When launching a screen printing company, they typically range from $20,000 to $100,000 depending on the scale of operations. Let’s more closely explore the costs you’ll encounter as you purchase a screen printing machine, rent a facility, and more.

Start-up Costs

• Equipment and screen printing supplies are the biggest expense. An entry-level screen printing press costs $5,000 to $10,000.
• Additional presses can run $3,500 to $7,000 for semi-automatic or $8,000 to $15,000 for automatic.
• A four-color manual press with an electric flash dryer is a reasonable starter setup for around $7,500.
• Other essential gear like washout booths, exposure units, screens, and conveyor dryers can add $5,000 to $20,000 in expenses.
• Budgeting $15,000 to $25,000 for core equipment allows room for growth.
• Working capital covers inventory like blank apparel ($1,000 to start), printing supplies ($500 to $1,000), and shop necessities.
• Incorporation or licensing fees are around $100 to $800 depending on location and structure.
• Print shop software averages $50 to $100 monthly for project management and invoicing.
• An e-commerce platform like Shopify to take custom orders online runs $29 to $299 per month.
• Leasing a small commercial space for screen printing costs $7 to $12 per square foot monthly, so plan on $2,500 to $4,000 for 750 to 1,000 sq ft.
• Utilities, insurance, any initial shop renovations, and initial marketing efforts should also be factored in.

Ongoing Costs

Typically include rent, payroll, supplies, software subscriptions, utilities, maintenance, insurance, and sales and marketing costs. Any additional equipment lease payments would need to be budgeted as well. Staffing costs vary based on hiring needs and local wages. As revenue grows, upgrading machinery and expanding production capacity leads to larger annual capital expenditures.

4. Form a Legal Business Entity

When starting a screen printing company, the legal structure impacts taxes, liability, and operational flexibility. The four main options each have pros and cons.

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most affordable, requiring only a business license. There is minimal paperwork, and profits are taxed as personal income. However, the owner has unlimited liability for debts and lawsuits. This risk is too great for most businesses.

Partnership

Forming a general partnership shares liability across partners. However personal assets remain vulnerable without corporate protection. Partners also share authority, creating potential disputes. Income is passed through to individuals. This structure works best for small professional services firms.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

For equipment-intensive operations like printing, an LLC limits liability and is taxed like a sole proprietorship or partnership while allowing shared ownership. A startup costs more than a sole proprietorship but much less than a corporation. LLCs can elect S-corp status for tax savings. This hybrid approach provides liability protection without high compliance costs.

Corporation

C corporations have the most complex taxation and legal requirements. Double taxation of profits and extensive recordkeeping make this unsuitable for most small businesses. Screen printing companies with venture capital funding may need to incorporate. However, an LLC provides most benefits without the added overhead.

5. Register Your Business For Taxes

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required by the IRS for any business, including a screen printing t shirts company, to identify tax accounts. Even sole proprietors need to get an EIN. It’s easy to apply online.

Go to IRS.gov and search “apply for an EIN” to find the application page. You’ll need to create an IRS online account if you don’t already have one. Make sure to have key information handy like name, address, and SSN for those with ownership stakes.

The online application takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. You’ll be asked for the legal name and structure of your business, start date, reason for applying, and responsible parties. Providing contact details and principal business activity codes helps process the EIN faster.

Once submitted, you will immediately receive your EIN at the end of the session. There is no cost to obtain this identification number. Print or save the confirmation notice for your records.

The EIN is necessary to open business bank accounts, apply for licenses and permits, hire employees, and file taxes properly. It is used on all official documents instead of SSNs to keep personal and business finances separate. Stay compliant with IRS requirements by always using the EIN on screen printing forms.

You’ll also need to register with your state Department of Revenue for sales tax collection. Search “[state] business tax registration” to find the right agency. Fees are generally $10-$100 depending on location. Proper licensing ensures you collect and remit sales tax according to local regulations.

6. Setup Your Accounting

Proper accounting is crucial for screen printing companies to track finances, manage taxes, and operate smoothly. Investing in tools and services prevents issues down the road.

Accounting Software

Getting accounting software like QuickBooks streamlines bookkeeping and automation. Connecting to business bank/credit card accounts allows seamless transaction importing. Features like invoicing, expense tracking, reporting, and payroll prep ensure organized records. This gives real-time visibility into the financial health of a growing printing business.

Hire an Accountant

Hiring an accountant provides expertise that screen printers often lack. They can handle tasks like monthly reconciliations, sales tax filings, and advising on optimizing finances for profitability and tax efficiency. Come tax season, an accountant prepares returns and ensures accurate IRS reporting.

Open a Business Bank Account

Keeping business and personal finances completely separate is essential. Commingling funds leads to problems in accurately documenting business income and expenses. The IRS requires being able to differentiate sources. Opening a dedicated business checking account and using a business credit card helps avoid co-mingling.

Apply for a Business Credit Card

Business credit cards also build credit history and can offer better terms than personal cards. Limits are based on business revenue and creditworthiness. Provide legal registration documents and EIN when applying for a card tailored to printing needs.

7. Obtain Licenses and Permits

Operating legally requires screen printing companies to obtain proper licensing before opening. Find federal license information through the U.S. Small Business Administration . The SBA also offers a local search tool for state and city requirements.

Zoning approval ensures the planned facility location and use aligns with local regulations. Industrial business permits are often needed as well to meet codes for equipment operation and materials. Seek guidance early to determine if zoning changes or hearings are necessary for approval.

Retail sales tax licenses must be obtained if selling printed products directly to local customers. Wholesale transactions may require separate licensing. Registration ensures proper collection and remittance of sales tax to state authorities. Research thresholds for obtaining seller’s permits.

Environmental regulations address waste disposal and pollution. For printers, this includes ink, solvents, and water used in production. Permits related to air emissions, wastewater pretreatment, and hazardous materials storage may apply. Consult with the EPA and state agency for guidance.

Signage permits regulate the location and size of any shop signage displayed externally. There are often city or county-level approvals needed before installation. Consider rules for lighting, construction materials, placement, and dimensions.

Fire safety inspections completed by the local fire marshal ensure print shop layouts, exits, and extinguishers meet codes. Any chemical storage also gets reviewed. Make requests well ahead of opening to schedule assessments and correct any issues.

8. Get Business Insurance

Purchasing adequate insurance is critical to protect screen printing businesses from unexpected risks that could lead to bankruptcy. Operating without coverage exposes the company to financial devastation.

For example, a major equipment breakdown could cost tens of thousands in repairs and lost revenue during downtime. A customer injury from a slip and fall on site creates liability exposure. Even something as simple as a burst pipe damaging the leased commercial space can rack up major costs.

Without insurance, these common issues become possibly company-ending. The right policies help hedge against disasters and ensure continuity after a claim.

Start by researching options like general liability, commercial property, equipment breakdown, and business interruption insurance. Connect with an agent experienced in covering print shops specifically. Provide details on operations, inventory, and property when seeking quotes.

The application process will require legal documents, financial records, employee info, and statements on existing policies. Be thorough and honest to avoid denial of claims later. Read all policies closely to ensure adequate coverage levels and terms.

9. Create an Office Space

Having a dedicated office provides screen printing companies workspace for administrative tasks, meetings, and phone calls apart from the production floor. This allows uninterrupted time for key business functions.

Home Office

A home office works well for sole proprietors, with minimal costs. Deductible expenses like utilities and supplies can offset taxes. However, distractions from family can hinder productivity. Meeting clients at home also may seem unprofessional. Expect costs under $100 monthly to maintain a basic setup.

Coworking Office

Coworking spaces offer amenities like WiFi, printing, conference rooms, and front desk service for a monthly fee. The community environment also provides networking opportunities. But noise could disrupt calls. WeWork locations start around $300 monthly in a shared work area.

Retail Office

Leasing retail space allows meeting walk-in customers but incurs monthly rent of $1,500, utilities, and maintenance costs. Codes may also require accessibility improvements. Retail offices work best for printers with storefront sales.

Commercial Office

Renting basic office space in a commercial building is ideal for small teams. Expect monthly rents of $200-$500 for 100-200 square feet. Options like month-to-month terms provide flexibility. However, amenities like parking often cost extra.

10. Source Your Equipment

Launching a screen printing operation requires specialty gear that can be costly to purchase outright. Beyond buying new, entrepreneurs have options to acquire affordable equipment through used purchases, rentals, and leases.

New press systems, dryers, exposure units, and washout booths from leading brands like Riley Hopkins , M&R , and Workhorse cost $5,000 to over $50k. Buying high-quality new equipment from a printing supplier ensures optimal performance and warranties. Trade shows also offer deals on the latest models.

Used equipment is widely available at 30-70% discounts off new prices. Check print trade journals, auction sites, and classifieds for deals. Inspect functionality and condition carefully before purchasing. Buying used machinery from other closing print shops can provide incredible value.

If the budget is very limited, renting equipment for $100-$500 weekly allows starting operations without huge capital outlays. This tests demand before large investments. Short-term dryers, exposure units, or press rentals help complete specific jobs. Just confirm availability for the needed time frames.

Leasing spreads payments over 12-48 months, easing cash flow constraints. Approval depends on business financials and credit. Monthly lease costs are longer than buying outright but facilitate growth with upgraded machinery.

11. Establish Your Brand Assets

Creating a strong brand identity helps screen printing companies stand out, attract ideal customers, and build authority in the marketplace. Investing in professional assets ensures consistency across touchpoints.

Get a Business Phone Line

Acquiring a unique business phone number via a provider like RingCentral enables listing key contact info in directories, advertisements, and websites. Toll-free numbers project credibility and a national presence. Call management features like voicemail transcription adds functionality.

Design a Logo

A logo is the cornerstone of a memorable visual brand. Iconic marks like Nike’s swoosh instantly identify companies. Hiring a professional designer through Looka to create a sleek, versatile logo for multiple formats is recommended. Scalable vector files allow printing on different signage, apparel, and promo items.

Print Business Cards

With a logo finalized, order professionally printed business cards, stationery, brochures, and uniforms from Vistaprint to showcase the brand. High-quality, consistent collateral conveys professionalism. For storefront shops, large exterior signage and window decals are also needed to attract walk-by traffic.

Get a Domain Name

Securing a domain name that matches the brand name ensures customers can easily locate the website. Short, memorable domains using .com build credibility. Use Namecheap tools to identify available options and make purchases.

Design a Website

Every business needs a website to publish product/service details, images, and branding. Employing Wix ‘s drag-and-drop editor enables designing a custom site without coding skills. Hiring a web developer on Fiverr provides affordable design expertise.

12. Join Associations and Groups

Joining relevant local organizations and online communities provides screen printers with invaluable connections, resources, and industry knowledge. Tapping into these networks boosts growth and success.

Local Associations

Searching for a local print association provides access to trade events, training, and peer groups. For example, the Northwest Print Council and Florida Graphics Alliance offer member benefits like seminars, networking, and advocacy. Joining gives visibility and insider access.

Local Meetups

Attending industry meetups and trade shows facilitates meeting fellow printers to exchange ideas and strategies. Platforms like Meetup make finding upcoming events easy by location and interest. The hands-on workshops at screen printing trade shows offer product demos and techniques.

Facebook Groups

Facebook communities enable crowdsourcing guidance from thousands of industry peers at any time. Large groups like Screen Printing Support and Screen Printing Support share troubleshooting, recommendations, and services. More localized groups provide region-specific connections.

13. How to Market a Screen Printing Business

Implementing an effective marketing strategy is essential for screen printing companies to steadily gain new customers and grow revenue. A mix of digital and traditional promotion cultivates awareness and sales.

Personal Networking

Leveraging personal connections provides the most valuable lead sources when starting. Offering referral rewards or discounts incentivizes happy customers to recommend the business within their network. This personal endorsement carries more weight than impersonal ads.

Digital Marketing

Digital channels should form the core of ongoing marketing efforts for scalable outreach and metrics-based optimization:

• Run Google/Facebook PPC ads geotargeting local searchers of printing services
• Create social media business pages to promote work and engage followers
• Claim profiles on review sites like Yelp to build credibility through positive reviews
• Start a YouTube channel showcasing production processes and customer testimonials
• Send email newsletters with special offers to the subscriber list
• Guest post on local business blogs to boost organic search visibility

Traditional Marketing

Traditional tactics supplement digital efforts:

• Mail promotional postcards and coupons to neighborhoods
• Distribute menus/flyers to local shops, offices, and events
• Take out ads in local newspapers and radio spots
• Sponsor community event banners and programs
• Rent billboard space on highways with heavy traffic

The combination of digital marketing for a broader reach and conversions at a lower cost per lead plus selected traditional promotion to locals who may not very online covers all bases when introducing a new brand.

14. Focus on the Customer

Providing exceptional customer service is crucial for screen printing companies to keep clients happy and gain new business through referrals. Going above and beyond to meet customer needs separates successful print shops from the competition.

For example, answering questions promptly, meeting tight deadlines, and fixing any errors quickly show clients their business is valued. Sending follow-ups to ensure satisfaction and checking if additional services are needed demonstrates proactive care.

Explaining the printing process thoroughly and offering guidance on design options makes customers feel informed and involved. Educating them on best practices for file formats, color matching, etc ensures optimal printing quality.

Little touches like handwritten thank you notes and free local delivery of completed orders make clients feel appreciated. These experiences stick in their minds and make them likely to leave positive reviews and recommend the printer to others needing merchandise or signage.

Providing such thoughtful service earns business owners the trust and loyalty of customers. This leads to repeat business, word-of-mouth referrals, and growth fueled by a stellar reputation.

You Might Also Like

January 24, 2024

0  comments

How to Start a Magazine in 14 Steps (In-Depth Guide)

The magazine industry in the U.S. brought in $163.70 billion in 2024. With over ...

January 3, 2024

How to Start a Billboard Business in 14 Steps (In-Depth Guide)

The billboard advertising industry in the U.S. is a $32.22 billion market in 2022, ...

November 13, 2023

How to Start a Printing Business in 14 Steps (In-Depth Guide)

Print businesses are seeing major growth across North America and round the world. The ...

November 8, 2023

How to Start a T Shirt Printing Business in 14 Steps (In-Depth Guide)

For entrepreneurs hoping to get into the online t shirt business, now is the ...

Check Out Our Latest Articles

How to start a dog clothing business in 14 steps (in-depth guide), how to start a vintage clothing business in 14 steps (in-depth guide), how to start a bamboo clothing business in 14 steps (in-depth guide), how to start a garage cleaning business in 14 steps (in-depth guide).

How to Start a Screen Printing Business

Starting a screen printing business can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful screen printing business.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a screen printing business is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

14 Steps To Start a Screen Printing Business :

• Choose the Name for Your Screen Printing Business
• Develop Your Screen Printing Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Screen Printing Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Screen Printing Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Screen Printing Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Screen Printing Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Screen Printing Business Equipment
• Develop Your Screen Printing Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Screen Printing Business
• Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your Screen Printing Business

The first step to starting a screen printing business is to choose your business’ name.  

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your screen printing business:

• Make sure the name is available . Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
• Keep it simple . The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
• Think about marketing . Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your screen printing business.

2. Develop Your Screen Printing Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a screen printing business is to develop your screen printing business plan . The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

• Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your screen printing business.
• Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your screen printing business and what type of screen printing business you operate. For example, are you a generalized screen printing business; a specialized business that exclusively offers a specific service, such as apparel printing; or a screen printing business that works on contract (for manufacturing clients, for example).
• Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the screen printing industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
• Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target audience are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when purchasing services like the ones you will offer?
• Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
• Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer 
• Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
• Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
• Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your screen printing business? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
• Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
• Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
• Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
• What startup costs will you incur?
• How will your screen printing business make money?
• What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
• Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

3. choose the legal structure for your screen printing business.

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your screen printing business and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the screen printing business and the business are the same legal person. The business owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small businesses. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a screen printing business together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a screen printing business include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a screen printing business is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your screen printing business, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

Incorporate Your Business at the Guaranteed Lowest Price

We are proud to have partnered with Business Rocket to help you incorporate your business at the lowest price, guaranteed.

Not only does BusinessRocket have a 4.9 out of 5 rating on TrustPilot (with over 1,000 reviews) because of their amazing quality…but they also guarantee the most affordable incorporation packages and the fastest processing time in the industry.

4. Secure Startup Funding for Your Screen Printing Business (If Needed)

In developing your screen printing business plan , you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business. 

If so, the main sources of funding for a screen printing business to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a screen print shop that they believe has high potential for growth.

5. Secure a Location for Your Business

When starting a screen printing business, finding the right location is key. You’ll need a space that is big enough to accommodate your equipment and supplies, and that is also in a convenient location for your customers. Here are a few tips on how to find the perfect space for your business:

• Start by assessing your needs. What kind of equipment do you have, and how much space do you need to store it? How many employees will you have, and what kind of work area do they need? Make sure to take into account any future growth plans for your business.
• Do some research on local zoning laws. You’ll want to make sure the location you choose is zoned for commercial use.
• Spend some time driving around different neighborhoods and shopping centers, and look for a location that is easily accessible for customers.
• When you find the right spot, it’s time to negotiate a lease agreement–and be sure to get everything in writing.

6. Register Your Screen Printing Business with the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your screen printing business’ name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

• Identify and contact the bank you want to use
• Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
• Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
• Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

8. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your screen printing business to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

9. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

To start a screen printing business, you will need to obtain a business license and a permit to operate from your local government. You may also need to obtain permits from other agencies, such as the fire department. Be sure to research what is required in your area before starting your business.

10. Get Business Insurance for Your Screen Printing Business

There are a few types of insurance you will need to operate a screen printing business, including: 

• General liability insurance : This covers accidents and injuries that occur on your property. It also covers damages caused by your employees or products.
• Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.
• Commercial property insurance : This covers damage to your property caused by fire, theft, or vandalism.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs. 

11. Buy or Lease the Right Screen Printing Business Equipment

In order to start a screen printing business, you will need some essential equipment. This includes screen printing frames and screens, drying racks, exposure unit, a screen printing press, ink, emulsion, and paper or textiles to print on. 

Other equipment that you may need includes a printer, transparency films or vellum, squeegees, ink trays, tape, fabric markers (if you are printing on textiles with dark designs), curing equipment, screen cleaning products, an exhaust system (for ventilation), a work station (a table or desk to operate your press from) and any necessary tools for building or setting up your screens.

12. Develop Your Screen Printing Business Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your screen printing shop.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

• Logo : Spend some time developing a good logo for your screen printing business. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
• Website : Likewise, a professional screen printing business website provides potential customers with information about the products and/or services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how customers perceive you.
• Social Media Accounts : establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your screen printing business.

13. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Screen Printing Business

To run a screen printing business, you need software to create the designs and to print them on t-shirts or other items. You can find free software online that will allow you to do this, or you can purchase software that is specifically designed for screen printing businesses.

Some popular software packages for creating designs include:

• CorelDraw – a vector-based software, which means it can zoom in and out without losing quality. It also exports easily to other programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape.
• Adobe Illustrator – another vector-based program, it is one of the most popular programs for t-shirt designers due to its ease of use and wide range of features. It is part of Adobe Creative Cloud which you can subscribe to on a monthly or annual basis, or pay for separately if you do not want to subscribe.
• Inkscape – a powerful open-source program, it is available free of charge; however, it does not export to Adobe Illustrator easily. It also doesn’t have many of the advanced text features that CorelDraw and Illustrator include.

14. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your screen printing business. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.

How to Finish Your Ultimate Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your screen printing business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

How to Start a Screen Printing Business FAQs

Is it hard to start a screen printing business.

No, it's not hard to start a screen printing business. In fact, there are a number of online resources and articles that can help you get started. You'll need to invest in some equipment and screen printing supplies, but the process is relatively simple. Screen printing is a great way to start your own business, because it's affordable and there's a lot of potential for growth.

How can I start a screen printing business with no experience?

There are a few things you can do to get started in screen printing without any prior experience. You can learn about the process and the equipment involved by reading articles online or watching YouTube videos, or you could take a course at a local community college. Additionally, you could seek out advice from someone who is already in the business, or hire an experienced screen printer. If you're willing to put in the time and effort, it's possible to learn everything you need to know about screen printing on your own.

What type of screen printing business is most profitable?

The most profitable type of screen printing business is one that offers a wide range of services. This allows the business to serve as a one-stop shop for customers. Additionally, it's important to have a good reputation in the community and offer competitive prices.

How much does it cost to start a screen printing business?

The cost of setting up a screen printing business will vary depending on the type of equipment you choose to buy and the amount of printing you plan to do. Generally, you can start a small screen printing business for around $1,000-$2,000. A small screen printing business can consist of a manual press, squeegee, mesh, emulsion remover, photo emulsion and cleaners. If you plan to do larger bulk orders you should invest in an automatic screen printing press which will cost around $4000-$8000.

Alternatively, you can use a manual press for basic printing and invest in an automatic press when you start to do larger bulk orders.

What are the ongoing expenses for a screen printing business?

The ongoing expenses for a screen printing business can include the cost of materials, the cost of labor, and the cost of shipping.

The materials that are commonly used in screen printing include squeegees, ink, screens, film positives, and paper. Labor for a screen printing business may consist of the cost of hiring employees as well as the costs of miscellaneous expenses such as marketing and accounting. The cost of shipping can depend on how much the business ships, but also can depend on how much the business spends on packaging materials.

How does a screen printing business make money?

A screen printing business makes money by charging a per-item fee for each item that is printed. They also typically charge customers a setup fee to create the screens that will be used in the printing process. These fees vary based on the size of the printing run. 

Is owning a screen printing business profitable?

There is no simple answer to this question because it depends on a lot of factors, such as the type of screen printing business, the location, the competition, and the amount of work that you're willing to put in. That being said, there is definitely money to be made in the screen printing business if you do it right.

Screen printing shops can be profitable because they offer a service that is in high demand. They are also able to keep their costs low because the screen printing equipment needed to start a screen printing business is relatively inexpensive. Additionally, screen printing businesses can be run as a home-based business, which reduces overhead costs involved .

Why do screen printing businesses fail?

There are a number of reasons why screen printing shops can fail. One reason is that the business may not have been well planned and may not have had a solid business model in place. Another reason may be that the business did not do enough research on the competition, and as a result was not able to differentiate themselves from other screen printing shops in the area. Additionally, the business may have lacked good marketing and sales strategies, which led to low customer traffic and revenue. Lastly, if the screen printing business does not have at least one experienced screen printing employee, quality will suffer, and it will quickly lose market share.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Screen Printing Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Are you ready to launch your screen printing business? Do you need a plan to get you started on the right track? The #1 Screen Printing Business Plan Template & Guidebook is an invaluable tool for entrepreneurs who want to start their own screen printing business. This comprehensive guidebook provides step-by-step advice on how to create a successful business plan template and covers topics such as market analysis, product positioning, financial statement building, and marketing strategies. With a detailed overview of the process, this guidebook is the perfect companion for anyone starting a screen printing company.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Screen Printing Business [11+ Steps]
• 10+ Best & Profitable Screen Printing Business Ideas [2023]
• 25 Catchy Screen Printing Business Names:

How to Write a Screen Printing Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your screen printing business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your screen printing business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a screen printing business:

Our mission at X Screen Printing is to provide our clients with high-quality, unique, and affordable printing products and services. We strive to create products that capture our client’s ideas in the most artistic way possible while always providing superior customer service. We aspire to be an integral part of our local community and foster a sense of connection with businesses and organizations in our area. With our dedication to quality, creativity, and customer service, we will create remarkable experiences for our customers by bringing their ideas to life through the art of screenprinting.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Screen Printing Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your screen printing business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your screen printing business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your screen printing business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your screen printing business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a screen printing business?

Equipment: Screen printing press, exposure unit, drying racks, squeegees and flood bars, screens, ink, film output device, flash dryer. Supplies: Screen printing inks, emulsions and chemicals, squeegees and flood bars, screen frames and mesh, substrates such as paper or fabric for printing on. Permits: Depending on the city or state you are in and the type of business you are running, you may be required to have a business license or permit. You may also need to meet zoning regulations or have special permits for hazardous materials if you are working with certain types of chemicals.

5. Management & Organization of Your Screen Printing Business.

The second part of your screen printing business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your screen printing business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Screen Printing Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a screen printing business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a screen printing business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your screen printing business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your screen printing business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your screen printing business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Screen Printing Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a screen printing business.

A business plan is essential for any business, including a screen printing business. It allows potential investors to have an understanding of the structure and future goals of the business, helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, allows for proper financial projections and budgeting, and helps to identify both external and internal risks. Business plans are critical documents that provide the roadmap for success for any company.

Who should you ask for help with your screen printing business plan?

You should ask a business consultant or your local Small Business Administration (SBA). They can provide you with the guidance and resources to develop an effective and successful business plan.

Can you write a screen printing business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a screen printing business plan yourself. Just like any other business plan, it should include all the necessary information about your business, including an overview, financial projections, marketing plan, and competitive analysis. Additionally, you'll need to include information such as strategy, start-up costs, personnel requirements, and equipment needs. You may also want to research the industry and target market to get a better understanding of the market.

Related Business Plans

Home Inventory Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Home Inspection Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Home Decor Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Health And Wellness Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Hauling Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Hardware Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Handyman Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Hair Extension Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Handbag Business Plan Template & Guidebook

We're newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

Login to my account

Enter your e-mail and password:

New customer? Create your account

Reset or recover password

Enter your email:

Remembered your password? Back to login

Create my account

Please fill in the information below:

Already have an account? Login here

How To Start A Screen Printing Business

Starting a screen printing business can be a great way to turn your creative passions into a profitable venture. However, like any business, starting a screen printing business requires careful planning, research, and preparation.

Here are some steps to help you get started:

Develop a Business Plan

A business plan is a roadmap that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections for your business. It helps you stay focused and organized and can also be used to attract investors and secure funding.

Your business plan should include the following:

• Business overview: This section should provide a brief overview of your business, including your mission statement, goals, and objectives.
• Market analysis: This section should describe your target market and competitors. It should also include an analysis of industry trends, customer needs, and market opportunities.
• Marketing strategy: This section should describe your marketing and advertising strategies for reaching and attracting customers.
• Operations plan: This section should outline how you plan to run your business, including the equipment, materials, and staff needed to operate.
• Financial projections: This section should include financial projections, including startup costs, revenue projections, and cash flow projections.

Register Your Business

Once you have developed your business plan, you will need to register your business with the relevant authorities. This includes obtaining any necessary licenses and permits, registering for taxes, and registering your business name.

You may also need to register for a business bank account, insurance, and any other necessary services.

Acquire Equipment and Supplies

Screen printing requires a range of equipment and supplies, including screens , ink , a squeegee , and a printing press . The type and quality of equipment you need will depend on the type of printing you plan to do.

When selecting equipment, consider the following factors:

• Quality: Look for high-quality equipment that is reliable and durable. This will help you produce high-quality prints and reduce the need for repairs and replacements.
• Cost: Screen printing equipment can be expensive, so it's important to find a balance between quality and cost. Look for equipment that is affordable and offers good value for money.
• Capacity: Consider the capacity of your equipment and how much printing you plan to do. You may need to invest in additional equipment as your business grows.

Develop Your Designs

Your designs are the heart of your screen printing business. They should be creative, unique, and visually appealing to your target market.

When developing your designs, consider the following factors:

• Target market: Your designs should be tailored to your target market. Consider their age, gender, interests, and preferences when developing your designs.
• Branding: Your designs should also reflect your brand identity and values. Consider using colors, fonts, and imagery that are consistent with your brand.
• Trends: Stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and incorporate them into your designs when appropriate.

Learn how to create t-shirt designs in Adobe Illustrator .

Market and Promote Your Business

Marketing and promotion are key to building a successful screen printing business. You will need to create a strong online presence, build relationships with potential customers, and establish your brand in the industry.

Here are some marketing strategies to consider:

• Social media: Use social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram , and TikTok, to showcase your designs and engage with your audience.
• Website: Create a professional website that showcases your designs, services, and pricing information. Make sure your website is optimized for search engines and is mobile-friendly.
• Networking: Attend industry events, trade shows, and conferences to build relationships with potential customers and suppliers.
• Referrals: Ask satisfied customers to refer their friends and family to your business.

Provide Excellent Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service is essential to building a successful screen printing business. Make sure you respond promptly to customer inquiries, provide clear pricing and turnaround times, and deliver high-quality prints on time.

Here are some tips for providing excellent customer service:

• Communication: Keep your customers informed throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the delivery of the finished product.
• Timeliness: Meet deadlines and deliver prints on time. If you encounter any delays, communicate with your customers and let them know the expected timeline.
• Quality: Ensure that all prints meet high-quality standards and are consistent with the design specifications.
• Flexibility: Be open to making changes or adjustments to the design or print if the customer requests it.

Learn how Stark Screen Printing brings back customers over and over again.

Set Pricing and Manage Finances

Setting the right price for your screen printing services is critical to the success of your business. You will need to consider the cost of materials, labor, and overhead, as well as the competitive landscape in your market.

When setting your prices, consider the following factors:

• Cost of materials: Calculate the cost of ink, screens, and other materials needed for each print.
• Labor costs: Factor in the time it takes to prepare the screen, print the design, and clean up afterward.
• Overhead costs: Include any fixed costs, such as rent, utilities, and equipment maintenance.
• Profit margin: Determine the profit margin you want to achieve and set your prices accordingly.

Once you have set your prices, it's important to manage your finances carefully. Keep accurate records of all income and expenses, and track your cash flow regularly.

Consider using accounting software to help you manage your finances and generate reports, such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

Expand Your Business

Once your screen printing business is up and running, you may want to consider expanding your services or product offerings. Here are some ways to expand your business:

• Offer additional printing services, such as embroidery or digital printing.
• Expand into new markets, such as corporate branding or event printing.
• Develop a product line, such as custom T-shirts, bags, or other merchandise.
• Partner with other businesses to offer bundled services or cross-promotions.

Starting a screen printing business can be a challenging and rewarding venture. By following these steps, you can develop a solid business plan, acquire the necessary equipment and supplies, and market and promote your business effectively.

Remember that success in screen printing depends on providing high-quality prints, excellent customer service, and competitive pricing. By focusing on these areas, you can build a successful and profitable screen printing business.

FREE SHIPPING OVER $275

In the cont. U.S. Details

TOP-NOTCH SUPPORT

Reach out or view our FAQ .

New FREE Online Classes !

PAYMENT & SECURITY

Securely processed orders.

• Opens in a new window.

Screen Printing Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

If you’re looking to create a screen printing business plan, you’ve come to the right place!

Over the past 25 years, the PlanPros team has helped over 1 million entrepreneurs and business owners write business plans….and many of them have started and grown successful screen printing businesses. Our screen printing business plan example below is sure to help you!

Screen Printing Business Plan Example

Below is our screen printing business plan template and sample plan created using our free ai business plan generator :  

I. Executive Summary

Company overview.

Welcome to ArtfulImpress Screen Printing, located in the heart of Middletown, CT. Since our launch on January 15, 2024, we have established ourselves as the premier provider of high-quality screen printing services in the community. Our offerings include competitively priced custom T-shirts, professional-grade embroidered apparel, and eye-catching posters and banners. Additionally, our graphic design services are tailored to bring our customers’ visions to life. With a foundation built on exceptional craftsmanship, customer satisfaction, and a central location in Middletown, we are poised to meet and exceed the screen printing needs of our customers.

Success Factors

Our success stems from the wealth of experience our founder brings, having previously run a successful screen printing business. This expertise ensures that we deliver superior services, setting us apart in the industry. Notable accomplishments include establishing our unique brand identity with a distinctive logo and securing a prime location for our business operations. We are confident in our ability to flourish, thanks to these milestones and our commitment to quality and customer service.

Industry Analysis

The screen printing industry in the United States is flourishing, with a projected growth from $1.8 billion in 2019 to $2.4 billion by 2024. This expansion is fueled by the increasing desire for customized apparel and promotional products. At ArtfulImpress Screen Printing, we are well-placed to capitalize on the trend toward eco-friendly printing practices by offering sustainable options. Additionally, our adoption of advanced digital technology and e-commerce platforms allows us to serve our customers with efficiency and convenience, setting us apart in the growing market.

Customer Analysis

At ArtfulImpress Screen Printing, we cater to local residents seeking personalized apparel, local businesses needing branded merchandise, and educational institutions requiring screen-printed products for teams and events. Our proximity to these customers ensures convenience and fosters repeat business. We are dedicated to providing tailored solutions that meet the branding and marketing needs of our clients, thereby establishing a loyal and diverse customer base in the Middletown area.

Competitive Analysis

Our competitors include Persnickety Promotions, focusing on a wide range of promotional items; Cinder & Salt, offering eco-friendly apparel; and Emulsion Printhouse, known for handling large-scale orders. ArtfulImpress Screen Printing distinguishes itself through our superior screen printing quality, attention to detail, and a customer-centric approach. We continually integrate the latest industry innovations and prioritize exceptional service, ensuring that we deliver unrivaled value to our customers.

Marketing Plan

Our marketing plan revolves around a comprehensive suite of services including custom T-shirts at $4.99, embroidered apparel at $6.75, and posters and banners starting at $4.99. We also offer professional graphic design services for $35. Our promotional tactics utilize online marketing, local SEO, community engagement, referral programs, direct mail, networking, collaborations with local artists, and press releases. These strategies are designed to build brand awareness, connect with the community, and foster customer loyalty in Middletown, CT.

Operations Plan

In our day-to-day operations, we prioritize excellent customer service, efficient design and pre-production, high-quality production, thorough quality control, and reliable shipping and fulfillment. Financial management and proactive marketing and sales efforts are also integral parts of our operations. We aim to achieve key milestones such as securing a physical location, acquiring necessary equipment, and launching targeted marketing campaigns to reach a monthly revenue of $15,000. Through continuous improvement and staff development, we strive for operational excellence.

Management Team

Our management team is led by Sarah Green, our President, whose entrepreneurial prowess and commitment to sustainability and efficiency drive ArtfulImpress Screen Printing forward. Sarah’s experience in the renewable energy sector and her strategic foresight ensure that our business is geared towards growth and profitability while upholding our environmental and ethical values.

Financial Plan

To achieve our growth goals, ArtfulImpress Screen Printing requires $138,000 in funding. This investment will be allocated across various areas including location buildout, equipment purchases, working capital, initial rent, staff salaries, marketing, advertising, and insurance. These funds are essential for setting up our operations and positioning us for success in the competitive screen printing market.

Below is an overview of our expected financial performance over the next five years:

II. Company Overview

Welcome to ArtfulImpress Screen Printing, the newest addition to the Middletown, CT business community. As a local screen printing enterprise, we are excited to fill the void in high-quality screen printing services within the area. Our mission is to provide our customers with exceptional products and services that meet their individual and business needs.

Our Products & Services

Our product line is tailored to offer both individuals and businesses a way to express their unique style and brand. With competitive pricing, we ensure that our customers receive value without compromising on quality. Our custom T-shirts are available for just $4.99, a price that allows for creativity to flourish without financial constraint. For those in need of embroidered apparel, we provide this service at $6.75, ensuring that professionalism and sophistication are within reach. Our posters and banners, priced at $4.99, are perfect for events, promotions, and personal use, offering a canvas for your messages and designs. Moreover, our graphic design services stand ready to assist at $35, bringing your vision to life with professional finesse.

Based in the heart of Middletown, CT, ArtfulImpress Screen Printing is perfectly situated to serve the local community with ease and efficiency. Our central location means we are accessible and dedicated to our local customers, providing a personal touch to every project we undertake.

Why We Will Succeed

We are uniquely positioned for success in the Middletown market for several key reasons. Firstly, our founder brings a wealth of experience from running a successful screen printing business, ensuring that we understand the industry and our customers’ needs intimately. Secondly, we pride ourselves on outperforming our competitors with superior screen printing services, guaranteeing customer satisfaction with every order.

Our Journey So Far

Since our inception on January 15, 2024, ArtfulImpress Screen Printing has been committed to establishing a solid foundation as a Sole Proprietorship. We’ve hit the ground running with significant early accomplishments. Our brand identity has been solidified with a custom-designed logo, and our company name has been developed to resonate and be memorable. Additionally, we’ve secured an excellent location that will serve as the hub for our operations and customer interactions.

III. Industry Analysis

The screen printing industry in the United States is a thriving sector, with a significant market size and promising growth potential. According to recent data, the screen printing industry in the United States is estimated to be worth over $2 billion. This impressive figure highlights the scale and importance of the industry within the country’s economy.

Furthermore, the market is expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years. Experts predict a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 3% for the screen printing industry in the United States. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including increased demand from various sectors such as apparel, promotional products, and signage. As businesses recognize the value of customized and eye-catching printed materials, the demand for screen printing services is anticipated to rise steadily.

Several trends in the screen printing industry are particularly encouraging for ArtfulImpress Screen Printing, a new player in Middletown, CT. One such trend is the growing popularity of custom-designed merchandise and promotional items. As businesses and individuals seek unique ways to stand out, the demand for high-quality screen printing services that can bring their ideas to life has surged. This trend provides an excellent opportunity for ArtfulImpress to establish itself as a go-to destination for top-notch screen printing services in the local market.

IV. Customer Analysis

Below is a description of our target customers and their core needs.

Target Customers

ArtfulImpress Screen Printing will target local residents seeking personalized clothing and accessories for various occasions such as family reunions, sports teams, school events, and local festivals. These customers will appreciate the ability to support a local business while receiving customized products that reflect their community spirit and personal style. The company will tailor its services to meet the needs of these individuals, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Additionally, ArtfulImpress Screen Printing will also focus on local businesses and organizations in need of branded merchandise. These customers will require bulk orders of screen-printed uniforms, promotional t-shirts, and other items that feature their company logo or messaging. The business will offer competitive pricing and quality services to establish long-term relationships with these clients.

Educational institutions and non-profit organizations will form another significant customer segment for ArtfulImpress Screen Printing. They will need custom apparel for school spirit wear, fundraisers, and community outreach programs. The company will provide design assistance and flexible order quantities to accommodate the varying needs of these groups, ensuring that budget constraints do not hinder their ability to obtain quality screen-printed materials.

Customer Needs

ArtfulImpress Screen Printing caters to a diverse clientele looking for high-quality screen printing services for various applications, from custom apparel to promotional merchandise. Customers expect crisp, vibrant, and durable prints that can withstand the test of time without fading or peeling, ensuring that their message or brand remains visible and impactful. The company’s commitment to excellence fulfills this need by using premium inks and materials alongside state-of-the-art screen printing technology.

In addition to quality, customers seek reliable and timely service. ArtfulImpress understands that businesses, organizations, and individuals often operate on tight schedules, especially when preparing for events or marketing campaigns. The company ensures that orders are completed and delivered on time, providing customers with peace of mind and the ability to plan their activities without worrying about delays in receiving their printed products.

Another critical need for customers is personalized service and the ability to bring their unique visions to life. ArtfulImpress offers a collaborative approach, working closely with clients to understand their design preferences and objectives. The expert team can translate even the most intricate designs onto the chosen medium, ensuring that every detail is captured accurately. This personalized touch is essential for customers who value originality and seek to express their identity or brand through custom screen-printed items.

V. Competitive Analysis

Direct competitors.

ArtfulImpress Screen Printing’s competitors include the following companies:

Persnickety Promotions

Persnickety Promotions offers a range of customized promotional products, including screen-printed apparel and accessories. They cater to corporate clients looking for marketing materials and also serve individuals in need of personalized items for events. With competitive pricing, they position themselves as an affordable option for bulk orders.

The company operates primarily in the Connecticut area, reaching local businesses and organizations. Their customer segments include small to medium-sized businesses, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations seeking promotional items. Persnickety Promotions prides itself on its customer service and quick turnaround times.

However, being a smaller player, they may face challenges in scaling operations and offering the same breadth of services as larger competitors. Their focus on local markets could also limit their exposure to a broader geographic customer base.

Cinder & Salt

Cinder & Salt is known for its eco-friendly and sustainable approach to screen printing, offering a selection of apparel and accessories. They target environmentally conscious consumers and businesses looking for green alternatives in their merchandise. Product prices reflect the premium nature of sustainable goods, which can be higher than conventional items.

Based in Middletown, CT, Cinder & Salt has a strong local presence and also serves customers through its online platform, extending its reach nationally. Their key strengths include a commitment to sustainability and a unique brand identity that resonates with a growing eco-aware customer base.

Their niche focus, however, could be seen as a weakness as it may not appeal to the mass market. Additionally, the premium pricing may deter cost-sensitive customers, potentially limiting their market share in the competitive screen printing industry.

Emulsion Printhouse

Emulsion Printhouse specializes in high-quality screen printing services for apparel and posters, targeting both businesses and independent artists. They offer a diverse range of products and often collaborate with clients on custom projects. Pricing is structured to accommodate both small custom orders and larger commercial runs, providing flexibility for various customer needs.

The company operates in the broader Connecticut area, with a strong emphasis on supporting local artists and businesses. Emulsion Printhouse’s customer segments include the music and entertainment industry, corporate clients, and small businesses looking for branded merchandise. Their key strengths are their high-quality prints and their support for local arts and culture.

A potential weakness for Emulsion Printhouse is the balance between artisanal quality and mass production efficiency. While they excel in custom, high-quality work, they may struggle to compete on price and turnaround time for larger, less customized orders.

Competitive Advantages

At ArtfulImpress Screen Printing, we pride ourselves on offering superior screen printing services that outshine our competitors. Our commitment to quality is evident in the vibrant colors and lasting durability of the prints we produce. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and the latest techniques to ensure that every print is a work of art. Our skilled technicians can handle intricate designs with precision, offering our customers a level of detail that is unmatched in the market. We understand that our clients expect the best, and our rigorous quality control procedures guarantee that we meet and exceed those expectations with every order.

We also recognize that each client’s needs are unique, and our ability to provide customized solutions sets us apart. Our team collaborates closely with customers to bring their vision to life, offering expert advice and flexible options to suit various requirements and budgets. We are not just a service provider; we are a partner invested in our customers’ success. With a customer-centric approach, we ensure a seamless and satisfying experience from the initial design consultation to the final delivery of the product. Furthermore, our quick turnaround times and competitive pricing structure provide incredible value, making ArtfulImpress Screen Printing the go-to choice for businesses and individuals alike.

VI. Marketing Plan

Our marketing plan, included below, details our products/services, pricing and promotions plan.

Products, Services & Pricing

Custom t-shirts.

ArtfulImpress Screen Printing specializes in creating high-quality custom T-shirts designed to meet the unique needs of each customer. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, clients can expect vibrant prints on a variety of T-shirt styles and fabrics. The custom T-shirts are competitively priced at just $4.99 each, offering an affordable way to wear personalized apparel or promote businesses, events, and organizations.

Embroidered Apparel

For those looking for a touch of elegance and durability in their custom apparel, ArtfulImpress offers exquisite embroidered apparel. This service is perfect for corporate wear, uniforms, and any clothing requiring a sophisticated and professional appearance. Customers can enjoy beautifully embroidered items for only $6.75 per piece, combining quality with affordability.

Posters and Banners

ArtfulImpress also provides exceptional printing services for posters and banners. Whether you’re advertising a local event, creating visuals for a marketing campaign, or need decorative art, their wide-format printing solutions can cater to all these needs. High-impact posters and banners are available to customers at the cost-effective price of $4.99 , ensuring that your message stands out without breaking the bank.

Graphic Design Services

Understanding the importance of strong visuals, ArtfulImpress offers professional graphic design services. Their team of skilled designers can help bring your vision to life or assist in creating a brand new design concept tailored to your requirements. With a focus on creativity and client satisfaction, these custom design services are provided at a rate of $35 per design, making it easy for clients to get custom graphics that perfectly match their printing needs.

Promotions Plan

ArtfulImpress Screen Printing embraces a comprehensive approach to attracting customers through various promotional methods, with a strong emphasis on Online Marketing . Online marketing serves as a cornerstone of the promotional efforts, leveraging the power of digital platforms to reach a broad audience.

Online Marketing

The company’s online marketing strategy includes a user-friendly website showcasing their services, portfolio, and customer testimonials. With search engine optimization (SEO), the site will rank higher in search results, making it easier for potential customers to find ArtfulImpress Screen Printing. Additionally, the company will engage with customers through social media channels, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, to build a community around their brand.

Email Marketing

ArtfulImpress Screen Printing will use email marketing to keep in touch with existing customers and to reach out to potential clients. Regular newsletters will provide subscribers with updates on new services, special offers, and industry news. This direct form of communication will help maintain relationships and encourage repeat business.

Local Partnerships

Building local partnerships with businesses and organizations in Middletown, CT, will create networking opportunities and increase word-of-mouth referrals. ArtfulImpress Screen Printing will collaborate with event organizers, schools, and local businesses to offer customized screen printing services for various events and campaigns.

Community Engagement

By participating in local events and sponsoring community activities, ArtfulImpress Screen Printing will demonstrate its commitment to the local community. This visibility will help establish the brand as a community-centric business, leading to increased local support and customer loyalty.

Promotional Products

The company will create promotional products featuring their screen printing work to distribute at events, trade shows, and in the local community. High-quality samples of their work will serve as a tangible representation of their services, enticing potential clients to choose ArtfulImpress for their screen printing needs.

Customer Referral Program

Encouraging satisfied customers to refer new clients will be a key element of the promotional strategy. ArtfulImpress Screen Printing will implement a customer referral program that rewards both the referrer and the new customer, fostering a network of brand advocates.

In-Store Promotions

For local traffic, the company will host in-store promotions and open houses to invite the community to learn more about screen printing. These events will provide an opportunity for hands-on experiences and direct engagement with the staff and products.

With a multifaceted approach to promotion, ArtfulImpress Screen Printing expects to attract and retain a diverse customer base in Middletown, CT, and beyond. By consistently delivering high-quality services and engaging with customers through multiple channels, the company is poised for success in the screen printing industry.

VII. Operations Plan

Our Operations Plan details:

• The key day-to-day processes that our business performs to serve our customers
• The key business milestones that our company expects to accomplish as we grow

Key Operational Processes

To ensure the success of artfulimpress screen printing, there are several key day-to-day operational processes that we will perform:.

• Respond promptly to customer inquiries via phone, email, or in-person visits.
• Provide detailed information about services, pricing, and turnaround times to prospective clients.
• Process orders, including order entry, confirmation, and updates on order status.
• Handle customer feedback, complaints, and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Consult with customers to finalize design files and ensure they are ready for screen printing.
• Create or adjust artwork as per customer requirements and prepare proofs for approval.
• Convert approved designs into screens for printing.
• Ensure that all materials (inks, screens, substrates) are prepared and available for production.
• Set up screen printing machines and conduct pre-production tests to guarantee quality.
• Run production jobs while maintaining high-quality standards and efficiency.
• Monitor inventory levels of inks, screens, and substrates to avoid production delays.
• Clean and maintain screen printing equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Inspect finished products to ensure they meet customer specifications and quality standards.
• Conduct spot checks during the production process for ongoing quality assurance.
• Address any quality issues that arise and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
• Package finished products securely to prevent damage during transit.
• Organize and manage inventory of completed products for efficient order fulfillment.
• Coordinate with shipping providers to ensure timely delivery to customers.
• Track shipments and provide customers with delivery updates.
• Issue invoices for completed orders and follow up on payments.
• Monitor and record daily expenses and revenues for accurate bookkeeping.
• Manage payroll, supplier payments, and other financial obligations.
• Analyze financial performance to identify trends and areas for cost savings.
• Deploy targeted marketing campaigns to attract new customers.
• Engage with local businesses and organizations to expand the customer base.
• Utilize social media and online platforms to showcase products and share customer testimonials.
• Offer promotions and discounts to encourage repeat business and referrals.
• Regularly review and optimize operational workflows for increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Stay updated with the latest screen printing technologies and industry trends.
• Invest in staff training and development to maintain a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.
• Solicit feedback from customers and staff to inform process improvements.

ArtfulImpress Screen Printing expects to complete the following milestones in the coming months in order to ensure its success:

• Finalize lease agreement and set up the physical location of the shop in Middletown, CT, ensuring it is in an area with high foot traffic or with a demographic that matches our target market.
• Secure the necessary permits and licenses to operate a screen printing business within local and state regulations.
• Purchase and set up essential screen printing equipment and supplies, focusing on quality and efficiency to produce superior products.
• Develop a robust online presence including an e-commerce website and active social media profiles to expand market reach and facilitate easy customer orders.
• Implement a local marketing campaign to build brand awareness within Middletown and surrounding areas, engaging with the community through events and partnerships.
• Hire and train a dedicated team of staff for production and customer service roles, ensuring they embody the company’s values and quality standards.
• Launch ArtfulImpress Screen Printing with a grand opening event to generate buzz and attract initial customers.
• Establish relationships with local businesses, schools, and organizations for potential bulk orders or ongoing service agreements.
• Monitor and optimize operational processes to reduce waste, improve turnaround times, and ensure high customer satisfaction.
• Achieve $15,000/month in revenue, marking the company’s growth to a sustainable level and enabling further investment in marketing and equipment upgrades.

VIII. Management Team

Our management team has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan.

Management Team Members

ArtfulImpress Screen Printing management team, which includes the following members, has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan:

Sarah Green, President

Sarah Green, President , brings a wealth of leadership and entrepreneurial experience to ArtfulImpress Screen Printing. Having a track record of successfully managing a biodiesel business, Sarah has demonstrated her ability to navigate the complexities of a dynamic industry while driving growth and innovation. Her previous role has equipped her with vital skills in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership. Sarah’s foresight in recognizing market trends and her expertise in sustainable practices is an invaluable asset, as she steers the company towards eco-friendly initiatives and operational excellence. Her business acumen and commitment to success are pivotal in guiding ArtfulImpress Screen Printing towards a prosperous and sustainable future.

IX. Financial Plan

Funding requirements/use of funds.

To accomplish our growth goals, ArtfulImpress Screen Printing needs $138,000 in funding. Key uses of this funding will be as follows:

Financial Projections

5 Year Annual Income Statement

5 Year Annual Balance Sheet

5 Year Annual Cash Flow Statement

What Is a Screen Printing Business Plan?

A screen printing business plan is a document that outlines the strategies you have developed to start and/or grow your screen printing business. Among other things, it details information about your industry, customers and competitors to help ensure your company is positioned properly to succeed. Your screen printing business plan also assesses how much funding you will need to grow your business and proves, via your financial forecasts, why the business is viable.  

Why You Need a Business Plan for your Screen Printing Business

A business plan is required if you are seeking funding for your screen printing business. Investors and lenders will review your plan to ensure it meets their criteria before providing you with capital. In addition, a screen printing business plan helps you and your team stay focused. It documents the strategies you must follow and gives you financial projections you should strive to achieve and against which you can judge your performance.  

Screen Printing Business Plan Template PDF

Download our Screen Printing Business Plan PDF to help guide you as you create your business plan for your own screen printing business.  

We earn commissions if you shop through the links below.  Read more

Screen Printing Business

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Successful Screen Printing Business

Written by: Esther Strauss

Esther is a business strategist with over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, executive, educator, and management advisor.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on September 14, 2021

Investment range

$9,000 - $27,000

Revenue potential

$90,000 - $360,000 p.a.

Time to build

Profit potential

$50,000 - $110,000 p.a.

Industry trend

When opening your screen printing business, keep these essential aspects in mind:

• Location — Choose a suitable location with enough space for printing, drying, and storing supplies. Ensure it has adequate ventilation and complies with safety regulations.
• Niche — Decide on the types of screen printing services you will offer, such as custom t-shirts, apparel, posters, signage, and promotional items.
• Equipment — Invest in high-quality equipment , such as screen printing presses (manual or automatic), exposure units, screens, squeegees, dryers, and heat presses.
• Design software — Use professional design software like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW for creating and editing designs.
• Supplies — Stock up on necessary supplies, including inks, emulsions, cleaning solutions, and substrates (e.g., t-shirts and posters).
• Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
• Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN .
• Website and online presence — Create a professional website showcasing your services, portfolio, client testimonials, and contact information. Maintain active social media profiles to engage with potential customers.
• Safety regulations — Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations, including proper handling and disposal of chemicals and waste.
• Eco-friendly practices — Incorporate sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials into your screen printing processes to attract environmentally conscious clients.

Interactive Checklist at your fingertips—begin your screen printing business today!

You May Also Wonder:

Is screen printing a profitable business?

It can be if you generate enough demand for your services. As a solopreneur with minimal expenses and 20 hours worth of printing projects per week, you’d earn just shy of $150k in net profit per year, on average. If you operate in a similar capacity with employees, your profit can be much higher.

How much does a screen printer cost?

The cost of screen printing equipment starts from as low as $1,500 for hobbyists, $7,000 for beginners, and $42,850 for advanced-level printers. The cost of an automatic screen printing machine ranges from $30,000 to $80,000.

How do I make my screen printing business successful?

To make your screen printing business successful, you should first focus on creating a valuable offering for your customers. Next, you’ll need to focus on key areas, including business planning, training, team building, targeting a niche, and marketing strategy.

What do you need to start screen printing at home?

To start screen printing at home, you will need the following basic equipment and supplies:

• Screen printing press:  A device that holds the screen and allows you to apply ink onto the printing surface.
• Screens:  A mesh screen stretched over a frame, which is used to transfer the design onto the printing surface.
• Squeegee:  A tool with a flat, rubber blade used to push the ink through the screen onto the printing surface.
• Ink:  Specialized screen printing ink designed for fabric or other surfaces.
• Emulsion and emulsion remover:  Emulsion is used to create stencils on the screens, and emulsion remover is used to clean and reclaim the screens.
• Screen exposure unit or light source:  A light source used to expose the emulsion-coated screens to create the stencil.

Is it hard to start screen printing?

Starting screen printing can have a learning curve, but it is possible to start at home with dedication and practice. Understanding the basic techniques, such as preparing screens, mixing inks, and operating the press, is essential. There are various online resources, tutorials, and classes available to help you learn the techniques and best practices of screen printing. 

What material is best for screen printing?

The best material for screen printing depends on the type of printing you want to do. Common materials used for screen printing include fabric (such as cotton, polyester, or blends) for creating custom apparel, paper for printing posters or artwork, and various substrates like wood, metal, or plastic for creating custom prints or signage.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

When you plan to start a business, you must choose one that fits your situation and preferences. That’s why, in this section, we’ll delve into everything you need to know to make that decision. 

Pros and cons

Before you venture into the world of screen printing, you should be aware of the pros and cons of the industry.

• Low costs make it easy to get started
• Work with a variety of materials and product types
• More durable than heat press and digital printing
• Production is pricey for small quantities
• Color constraints mean no photo-based designs
• Low barriers to entry means stiff competition

Screen printing industry trends

Following a pandemic-driven downturn, the market looks set for significant expansion, with the global screen printing industry expected to see strong 16% growth through 2027.

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – The US custom screen printing industry is worth nearly $9 billion, after declining more than 2% per year since 2017.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/custom-screen-printing-united-states/ ))  
• Growth forecast – Market analyst IBISWorld says the screen printing industry is expected to bounce back and grow nearly 3% in 2022. Globally, the screen printing industry is predicted to post strong growth of 16% per year to reach $5 billion by 2027.(( https://www.reportlinker.com/p06032841/Global-Screen-Printing-Industry.html?utm_source=GNW ))
• Number of businesses – There are more than 12,000 screen printing businesses in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/custom-screen-printing-united-states/ )) 
• Number of people employed – The industry employs more than 67,000 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/custom-screen-printing-united-states/ ))

Trends and challenges

Trends shaping the screen printing industry include:

• Use of customized t-shirts as marketing tool
• Increasing ecommerce penetration
• Rising demand for pop culture merchandise

Challenges in screen printing industry include;

• Poor print quality
• Health risks from chemicals
• High level of competition

What kind of people work in screen printing?

• Gender – 71% of all screen printers are male, while 29% are female.(( https://www.zippia.com/screen-printer-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics ))
• Average level of education – About a third (35%) of screen printers have a high school diploma, while 30% hold a bachelor’s degree.(( https://www.zippia.com/screen-printer-jobs/education/ ))
• Average age – The average age of a screen printer is 48 years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/screen-printer-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics ))

How much does it cost to start a screen-printing business?

Startup costs range from $9,000 to $27,000 or more. By far, the highest startup cost will be your screen printing equipment, which includes a screen printing press, a screen print dryer and more. If you need some training, there are countless screen printing courses and workshops online for as little as $40. 

If you’re looking to start with minimal investment, you’ll want to operate out of your home, at least in your first months. It’s also a good idea to look for used screen printing equipment online — this Facebook group with more than 6,000 members is a good place to start. 

On the flip side, the maximum budget will get you something along the lines of Lawson Screen Printing’s Advanced Start-Up Package , which will set you back nearly $16,000. You’ll also likely need commercial space to make good use of all your equipment.

How much can you earn from a screen printing shop?

Revenue will depend on the products you offer and the number of colors you expect to use. For example, printing a T-shirt with three colors will generate different revenue numbers than printing a mug with a single color.

Let’s use an order for 50 custom, three-colored T-shirts as an example. Blank T-shirts are $2 each, while your materials average out to $1 per T-shirt. That means your total cost of $150 breaks down to $3 for each T-shirt, which you then sell for $7 each, making $350. This means you’ll have a profit margin of about 55% and make $200 in profit from this order, which should take no longer than one hour to fulfill. 

In your first year or two, you might average five of these orders per week, bringing in more than $90,000 in annual revenue and around $50,000 in annual profit, assuming a 55% margin. After a few years you might generate 20 sales per week, but with higher overhead, due to staff and facilities, your margin will fall to 30% and you might only make $100 in profit from each order. Still, you’d make more than $360,000 in annual revenue. At a 30% margin, you’d make a tidy profit of almost $110,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There aren’t many barriers to entry in the screen printing business, but one to be aware of is the intense competition from local, national, and even international players.

Another barrier to entry is that clients face no costs to switch to another service, which means you have got to be excellent at screen printing to keep your customers.

Related Business Ideas

How to Start a Business With Your Cricut Machine

How to Make Money With a Vinyl Cutter

How to Make and Sell Phone Cases – A Step by Step Guide

Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a screen printing business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Explain how the reader should identify an opportunity — examine the market for gaps and trends, consider your special skills and capabilities. 

Research screen printing businesses in your area to examine their products/services, price points, customer reviews, and what sells best. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a screen printer that focuses on references to 1990s culture and style. 

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, like coffee mugs.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your products or services

You could offer a standard set of screen printed T-shirts and mugs, and also offer custom printing for a wide variety of products, including backpacks, binders, ceramics, posters, wood, snowboards, medical devices and more. The possibilities are almost endless when it comes to screen printing. Do your research and decide what works best for you and your business. 

How much should you charge for screen printing?

Assuming you start from home as a solopreneur, your main costs will be materials and ink, and you should be able to achieve a profit margin of 50-55%. 

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will hinge on the products you choose. If you focus on T-shirts for instance, you are likely to have a younger demographic, and could find them on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. If your products are mostly mugs, binders and signs, you would do better to target businesses on LinkedIn. 

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you’ll want to run your screen printing business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers and rent out a production facility. Find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Screen Printing Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “screen printing” or “custom T-shirts”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Prime Design Prints” over “Sports Screen Printing”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

Powered by GoDaddy.com

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Screen Printing Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: Summarize the objectives and strategies of your screen printing business, emphasizing custom designs on various apparel and promotional items.
• Business Overview: Describe the core service of screen printing, targeting custom apparel creation for businesses, organizations, and individuals.
• Product and Services: Detail the types of products offered, from t-shirts and hoodies to tote bags and corporate wear, along with design services.
• Market Analysis: Assess the demand for personalized printed products and identify key customer segments like local businesses, schools, and event organizers.
• Competitive Analysis: Evaluate the local and online competition, noting how your business will provide superior quality, service, or design options.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline your strategy to reach potential clients, such as through social media marketing, attending trade shows, or partnerships with local businesses.
• Management Team: Highlight the expertise and experience of the team that will manage the business and production operations.
• Operations Plan: Describe the production process, from design approval to printing and fulfillment.
• Financial Plan: Provide an overview of start-up costs, pricing strategy, cost management, and revenue projections.
• Appendix: Include additional documents like sample designs, client testimonials, or detailed market research to support your business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan before, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider finding and hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to screen printing. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your screen printing business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• Corporation – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that most new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your Articles of Organization and be on hand to answer any questions you might have. 

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Venture capital: Venture capital investors take an ownership stake in exchange for funds, so keep in mind that you’d be sacrificing some control over your business. This is generally only available for businesses with high growth potential.
• Angel investors: Reach out to your entire network in search of people interested in investing in early-stage startups in exchange for a stake. Established angel investors are always looking for good opportunities. 
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

For a screen printing business, your best bet is probably going the personal route or reaching out to friends and family. Although, if you have a great concept, you could give crowdfunding a shot as well. 

Step 8: Apply for Screen Printing Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a screen printing business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your screen printing business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account.

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You may want to use graphic design tools such as Affinity Designer , Adobe Illustrator , and CorelDRAW for photo editing, typography, and more. 

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Social Media Engagement: Leverage platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your unique designs, share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your printing process, and engage with your audience through polls and contests.
• Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses, schools, and community organizations for custom merchandise or promotional items, fostering a strong local presence and word-of-mouth referrals.
• Targeted Samples and Demonstrations: Provide sample prints to local businesses and organizations, allowing them to experience the quality of your work firsthand, and consider hosting live printing demonstrations at events to attract potential clients.
• Referral Programs: Implement a referral program that rewards existing customers for referring new clients, creating a cost-effective way to expand your customer base through word-of-mouth recommendations.
• Seasonal Promotions: Capitalize on holidays, sports seasons, or local events by offering limited-time promotions on themed merchandise, attracting customers looking for unique and timely prints.
• Quality Business Cards and Flyers: Design visually appealing business cards and flyers that showcase your printing capabilities, distributing them strategically at local businesses, community bulletin boards, and relevant events.
• Customer Loyalty Programs: Encourage repeat business by implementing a customer loyalty program, offering discounts or exclusive deals to clients who consistently choose your screen printing services.
• Online Tutorials and DIY Kits: Share screen printing tutorials on platforms like YouTube to position your business as an industry authority, and consider selling DIY screen printing kits to a broader audience.
• Attend Trade Shows and Events: Participate in relevant industry trade shows, fairs, and community events to network with potential clients, suppliers, and collaborators, expanding your reach beyond online platforms.
• Quality Assurance and Guarantees: Build trust with customers by offering quality assurance guarantees, ensuring satisfaction with your products and services, and prominently displaying positive customer reviews on your marketing materials.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your screen printing business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your printing business could be: 

• The hottest, coolest T-shirts in town 
• Mugs, tablets, desks, posters — your whole business branded
• Custom screen printing at great rates! 

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a screen printing business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in screen printing for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in printing. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build your team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a screen printing business would include:

• Screen Printers
• Marketing Lead
• General Manager

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Screen Printing Business – Start Making Money! 

Now that you’ve put a strong foundation in place, it’s time to get out there and grab your slice of the $8 billion US screen printing industry! 

To ensure your business starts off on the right foot, here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Meet your deadlines: Whether it’s the deadline for a printing project or your bills, make sure you meet your time commitments—your stakeholders will appreciate it!
• Provide more value than you take: Ensure your clients and stakeholders get more value from you than you take from them, and they’ll stick with you for life.
• Always implement quality control: A simple quality assurance check will reduce product returns and customer dissatisfaction.
• Engage the local community: You know the local community and have a direct connection with them, so it’s better to serve their needs before you market your products on a state or national level.
• Address complaints with humility: Always listen to your clients, especially their negative remarks as these are areas where you can improve. And even if a complaint is illogical or unfair, address it calmly and professionally.
• Keep improving your production capacity: You don’t know when a big client will come out of the wood work. Make sure you’re able to seize the opportunity when the time comes.
• Attend events: Ensure your participation in industry events and trade shows. Bring your best designs as samples and prove yourself as a creative and capable printer.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Screen Printing Business Name
• Create a Screen Printing Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Screen Printing Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build your team
• Run a Screen Printing Business - Start Making Money! 

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Featured resources.

15 Creative Design Business Models

Esther Strauss

Published on November 4, 2022

The importance of design cannot be overemphasized. A good design clearly conveys the message, simplifies navigation and enhances accessibility of aw ...

Top 9 Printing Business Ideas for Entrepreneurs

Carolyn Young

Published on July 21, 2022

The US printing industry is recovering from the pandemic and expected to gain strength as the economy improves. Although printing will continue tofa ...

49 Small Town Business Ideas to Boost Your Community

Published on June 30, 2022

You might think you can’t do business in a small town. But did you know that some major corporations are based in small towns? Walmart is inBenton ...

No thanks, I don't want to stay up to date on industry trends and news.

• Talkin' T-Shirts Blog

How to Start a Screen Printing Business: The Ultimate Guide

If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching your regular job in favor of being your own boss, you certainly aren’t alone. In fact, as of 2016, 25 million Americans launched or were already running their own businesses . And around the world, there are more than 582 million entrepreneurs. Joining their ranks takes plenty of hard work and dedication, though. Being a business owner isn’t for everyone, but for those who have the passion and drive to make it work, it can be incredibly rewarding in many, many ways. 

Whether you are ready to walk away from your current job entirely or you are thinking about starting something on the side to earn some extra cash, there are a lot of options to choose from. It’s possible to start a business doing just about anything, but it’s important to keep in mind that lack of demand is the most common reason small businesses fail. 

When you want to start your own business and are looking for a relatively safe industry to break into, screen printing is a solid option. Screen printing services are always in demand, and even if there are other printers in your area, you can always cater to a specific niche your competitors don’t. As a screen printer, you can also build mutually beneficial relationships with other businesses, organizations, etc. to ensure you always have orders coming in. 

The best part? 

Starting this type of business is easier than you might think. Keep reading to learn how to start a screen printing business! 

Start with a Plan

No matter what type of business you’re starting, you need to have a plan. Even if it’s not a formal business plan , you need to, at the very least, come up with a detailed plan outlining your startup and operational costs, what niche you’ll be targeting and what your ideal customer looks like and what supplies and materials you’ll need to invest in.

One of the great things about starting a screen printing business is that it’s something that can be done on virtually any budget. If funds are tight and you’re looking to start small, it’s possible to get the basics for less than $500. If you’re looking to launch a full-service screen printing company and plan on investing in high-quality automated equipment and leasing a space, you can usually get the job done for around $15,000 or less. And while $15,000 is a hefty sum of money, it’s significantly less than the startup costs associated with many other types of businesses. 

Keep in mind, after you are up and running, you’ll still need to continually purchase blank garments to customize, silk screens, ink and other daily supplies. If you’re leasing a space rather than working from home, you’ll also need to think about rent and utilities.

Consider who you’ll be targeting. Are you going to offer custom screen printing services for large businesses or are you planning on screen printing your own artwork onto t-shirts to sell? Thinking about offering wholesale t-shirt printing for resellers ? Or do you, perhaps, have another idea? Whatever the case may be, do your homework to find a niche where there is demand. 

Browse Our Collection of Bulk Wholesale T-Shirts

Take Care of the Legalities

Once you have a plan of action, taking care of legal issues is your best next step. If you fail to operate your business legally, you could face some major, potentially business-destroying problems later on. While it certainly isn’t the most fun or exciting part of starting a business, addressing the legal stuff early on is highly recommended. 

Start by forming a legal entity, such as an LLC. This protects you from being held personally liable if your business is sued. Familiarize yourself with the different types of business structures and choose the one that’s right for you. If you’re not sure, consult with an attorney. 

From there, you’ll want to register for taxes. Again, it’s not a whole lot of fun, but neither is an angry letter from the IRS when they find out you haven’t been paying your fair share. To register for taxes, you’ll need to apply for an EIN . This will then allow you to register for state and federal taxes. 

Next, obtain the proper licenses and paperwork. The requirements vary from state to state and even from city to city, so you’ll need to do some research to determine exactly what you need to do. 

Consider your business insurance needs. Investing in insurance is highly recommended for all business owners, and if you hire employees, purchasing workers’ compensation insurance may be a legal requirement. 

Finally, open up a business bank account and credit card. In addition to protecting your personal assets, having separate accounts for your business makes it much easier to track your income and expenses and makes accounting much easier. 

Establish Your Brand

Your brand is your business’s face to the world. It’s what your company stands for and how it is perceived by the public. While your brand may begin with a logo and a color scheme for your website, it’s much more than that. It encompasses your products, services and values. A good brand is very much a living thing that changes and evolves over time. 

Building a strong brand in the beginning is a crucial step in building awareness of your business and making it recognizable. Over time, it becomes virtually everything your business is known for. Establishing, growing and maintaining your brand is something that should always be at the forefront of your mind.

Invest in Supplies and Materials

At this point, you are ready to start shopping for everything you need to get your business off the ground. This step can be a lot of fun, but it can also be pretty stressful. Before you spend a single cent, make sure you have a detailed list of everything you need to get started and a budget. At the very least, you’re going to need screen printing equipment , of course, and blank apparel on which to print. 

While you may offer a number of screen printed products, it’s likely custom t-shirts will make up a large portion of your business. For this reason, it’s crucial to score the best possible prices on blank t-shirts . Rather than buying in individual quantities, look for bulk wholesale t-shirts . Doing so will save you a bundle of cash and ensure the highest possible profit margin on your products. 

Check Out Our Assortment of Quality Blank T-Shirts

When you’re shopping for materials, consider offering some unique products in addition to the ones likely to be your bestsellers. Something as simple as having plain long sleeve shirts to customize in addition to the usual short sleeve offerings could set you apart from your competitors. Keep in mind that it’s possible to screen print on almost anything, so there’s no need to limit yourself to apparel. 

Start Marketing Your Business

By now, you should have just about everything you need to get started. If you plan on actually selling products to your customers, though, you’re going to need to start marketing. Working with a professional marketing agency is always a solid option, but not everyone’s budget allows for such expenses–especially in the beginning. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to market your company on your own without spending a fortune. 

In today’s market, the internet is always the best place to start. At the very least, you’ll need to have a strong presence on social media and a professional-looking website. Even if you plan on opening up a physical location where you’ll sell your products, having a solid online presence ensures potential customers will be able to find you. 

Once you’ve set up your social media profiles, share content regularly. Now is a great time to let people know who you are and what your business is all about. It’s also a great time to show “behind the scenes” glances of how the process of launching your business is going or provide sneak peeks of the products you’ll be selling. Engage with your followers to start building relationships with them. Consider investing in some paid advertisements, too. It’s possible to advertise on social media on nearly any budget and doing so is a great way to build awareness of your up-and-coming business. 

Use your website as a means of showcasing your products and services and building an email list. Encourage prospective customers to sign up by offering a small discount on their first purchase once your business officially launches. Once they’ve enrolled, you can send updates, promotions and more directly to their inbox. 

Think about embracing some traditional advertising methods, too. Traditional newspaper and radio ads are still highly beneficial if you plan on selling your products locally. Sending out home mailers or setting up a booth at a local event can help as well. As always, consider your target audience and how its members would most like to be marketed to. 

Start building relationships with other businesses and organizations. You may be able to find other people who are willing to promote your business in exchange for you promoting theirs. Or you might find business owners who would be open to advertising your services in exchange for you providing them with some free hats or shirts. Get creative! In many instances, the most unique business partnerships turn out to be the ones that are the most lucrative. Of course, you can also generate awareness of your products and services by simply volunteering to print new shirts for a local team or organization and including your logo. 

Launch and Keep Your Customers Coming Back for More

If you’ve followed our advice up to this point, you should now be ready to officially launch your business. You should have all the supplies and materials you need, a strong web presence and a following of people with whom you’ve already built relationships. Now, you need to take all the time and effort you’ve put into your business so far and turn it into a profit. 

Whether you are opening a physical location or launching an online business, create some hype around your grand opening. If you’re opening a storefront, schedule a weekend event where customers can see your new shop, check out your products and learn more about your business. Offer some sort of freebie to entice people to come in. Even if you’re just offering cookies and coffee or a hot dog and a soda, people love free stuff! If your budget allows, you could also give away promotional merchandise or hand out valuable coupons. 

If you’re launching an online business, create hype on social media by planning an event for the moment the site goes live. Offer a special incentive for the first few customers or offer a discount on all orders placed within a certain period of time, such as your first day, weekend or even month. Think about offering some sort of referral incentive. Something as simple as providing a 10 percent discount to anyone who refers 10 other customers could turn out to be quite lucrative!

Once you’ve started making sales, remember to always put your customers first. Treat them with kindness and respect, and do everything you can to make their experience a positive one. Even when dealing with challenging customers, provide the best customer service you possibly can. Word of mouth and online reviews can make or break your screen printing, so you may need to swallow your pride at times and do what it takes to keep your buyers happy. It might be frustrating in the moment, but in the long run, it’s definitely worth it. 

Wrapping Up

Starting a screen printing business doesn’t have to be difficult, and it’s something that can be done on even a limited budget. When you follow the suggestions listed above and rely on The Adair Group for blank apparel and accessories, you can start a lucrative business and experience the joys of being your own boss. 

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Submit Comment

• Subscribe via RSS feed

Popular Posts

  What better day to talk about birthday t-shirts than on your birthday?! Today is MY birthday and I love thinking...

Being in the t-shirt, business we get asked this question all the time.  What are the most popular t-shirt colors?  No...

When you order bulk t-shirts online, your shipping charges are calculated using the weight of your shipment and your d...

• All Things Adair
• Branded Apparel
• Buying Guide
• Celebrate Holidays With T's
• Clothing Maintenance
• Creative T-Shirt Ideas
• Fruit of the Loom
• Helping the Community
• History of T-Shirts
• Learn About Our Products
• Matching T-shirts
• Sweatshirts
• T-Shirts in Sporting Events
• Team T-shirts
• The 411 on the T-Shirt Business
• Uncategorized
• Wholesale Apparel

© 2024. The Adair Group. All Rights Reserved.

BELLA+CANVAS

• Men’s
• Women’s

How to Start a Successful Screen Printing Business

Screen printing offers the best of both worlds – it’s creative and artistic on one hand, and business-oriented on the other (think creating a budget, exploring marketing initiatives, and maintaining organization). And while it’s certainly rewarding to have your own business, there are rules to live by if you want it to be successful.

We happen to know a thing or two about this subject. The two founders of BELLA+CANVAS got their start by launching a successful screen printing company right out of high school, and look where it led them!

Here are some tips  on how to start a screen printing business:

Plan accordingly.

Just like any other business, planning is integral. Before you open shop, it’s important to create a business plan that sets you apart from the rest. Ask yourself who your key customer is, how you are different from the other screen printers on the market, and what your expected budget may be. In other words, find your niche! Some screen printers set themselves apart by using water-based ink, some focus on halftone printing, and some work with only polyester pieces. Whatever you decide is up to you, so choose right, and stick with your commitment. Talk to your target customer, friends, family – whoever, and find out about their needs. Once you identify your target customer, you’ll have an easier time finding jobs. Another way to make connections is by networking. If you strive to print shirts for bands, attend local concerts. If you plan to create pieces for clothing stores, walk into stores in your target area and introduce yourself! Get it?

Educate Yourself

After you find your niche, learn everything you can to make the best product possible. Screen printing isn’t easy, so it’s important to educate yourself on the equipment and techniques required to create the best product in the game. Take classes, learn from others, do whatever it takes – it’s worth the investment, trust us! If you’re not keen on the idea of classes, scroll the interwebs for tips, tricks, and more – you’ll be surprised at all the info out there!

Create the Perfect Team

When you have a solid team, you’re set. First, decide what you like doing best. If you like printing, do that, if you like running the back of the business, do that, and so on. If you’re able to create certain roles for certain people, do it – even if specific team members end up being responsible for multiple roles.

Before you settle on a space, decide where to designate your stuff. Depending on the printing you’ll be doing, you’ll need space for a conveyer dryer, printing press, flash dryer, ink and screen storage, and more. Consider water pressure and voltage, too – many pieces of equipment require more than basic power. You want your space to be a reflection of your business. If you want high-end clientele and walk-in customers, opt for a space that’s open, clean, and of course, professional.

Equip Yourself–The Right Way

While there are tons of amazing pieces of equipment out there, we suggest doing your research before you shop. Search the web for distributors, read about brands, and scroll forums for questions, answers, and real opinions. If you have specific questions that you can’t find answers to, simply call the company you’re interested in and speak to someone over the phone.

Communicate

There’s nothing more important than clear communication with your team and your customers. If you don’t communicate well, you can run into some serious problems in the end. Be up front about fees, proofs, and deadlines. Moreover, if a customer asks for something you can’t do, send them somewhere else instead of trying to do everything yourself. Last but not least, whether it’s a down payment or points of contact, it’s important that every one of your policies is clear and concise. Clear information means less hassle in the long run for you.

Ready to get started? Follow the tips above and you’ll be on your way to a successful screen printing business in no time!

By: BELLA+CANVAS

Our mission, since day one, has been to bring retail tees to the wholesale market--so for us, it's always been about quality. Starting at the thread level, we design the composition of each knit to make sure it will be the best feeling, fitting and printing tee you've ever worn. Not all tees are created equal. Join the fastest growing T-Shirt brand. Designed, dyed & cut in Los Angeles.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

The Screen Printers’ Dictionary

how to succeed in printing business

I think the admin of this web page is in fact working hard for his web page, since here every information is quality based stuff.

Hi, Neat post. There is an issue with your site in web explorer, may check this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a big part of folks will omit your great writing due to this problem.

Hi! Glad you enjoyed our post! It may help to clear your cache and cookies. We are also mobile friendly, but we find that customers typically have less issues if they are using Google Chrome or Safari on a PC or laptop.

web hosting company

My partner and I stumbled over here different web page and thought I should check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to going over your web page again.

Thanks so much for sharing. Appreciate the positive feedback!

• Behind BELLA+CANVAS (77)
• Business & Marketing (60)
• Embroidery (3)
• Fabric 101 (18)
• Fashion (51)
• Printing Techniques (76)
• Screen Printing (4)
• Tips and Tricks (18)
• Uncategorized (77)

Recent Posts

• Choosing the Right Path for Fulfillment: Print-on-Demand vs. Your Local Print Shop
• How to Build a Tee Tech Pack for Your Decorator
• 7 Key Lessons for Building an Apparel Brand With a Small Budget
• 8 Things You Should Know About DTG Printing
• Making of a Tee: Inside BELLA+CANVAS’ T-shirt Cutting Process

How to Start a Screen Printing Business

A screen printing business specializes in printing images on t-shirts or other items of clothing. There is flexibility to operate such a business completely online or via a traditional store. The store may also offer pre-set options for images and phrases as well as allowing customers to submit their own designs. The ability of such a store to create t-shirts for schools and businesses also provides a great way to build community spirit.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee. Northwest ($29 + State Fees) DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start a screen printing business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Screen Printing Business
• Form your Screen Printing Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Screen Printing Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Screen Printing Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Screen Printing Business
• Get Screen Printing Business Insurance
• Define your Screen Printing Business Brand
• Create your Screen Printing Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your screen printing business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Screenprinting Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Find a Domain Now

Powered by godaddy.com, what are the costs involved in opening a screen printing business.

It is relatively cheap to open a screen printing business. The specialized printer you need can typically costs $10,000 or less; the supplies you need to start, including many shirts to print on, can typically be obtained for less than $5,000. Such a business can be operated from your home, so there is no need to lease a separate space. Instead, you can spend about $500 to design a professional website, and about $5,000 on traditional advertising, including radio ads, newspaper ads, and a combination of fliers, business cards, and direct mail.

What are the ongoing expenses for a screen printing business?

The ongoing expenses for this business are variable because you may have to order more materials in some months and fewer materials in other months. Generally, you will spend about two dollars per t-shirt, and about $1.50 per silk screen you create. If you buy pre-made silk screens, they cost about $25 a piece, and ink costs amount to about five cents per shirt. Beyond this—and the need to pay a hundred dollars or less per year to host your website—you don't really have any ongoing expenses, as extra costs such as shipping are billed to the customer directly.

Who is the target market?

While people of all demographics buy screen printed t-shirts, your target market is typically males between the ages of 15 and 25. Such a demographic is more social and enjoys using custom t-shirts to express aspects of their interests and identity to new people that they meet.

How does a screen printing business make money?

A screen printing business makes money by selling individuals t-shirts and other items of clothing with preset or customized designs on them.

How much you charge customers varies based on many factors such as t-shirt colors, amount of shirts, and how quickly the customer needs them. For instance, you might charge nine dollars for printing a design on a single color shirt, but if the same customer orders a hundred or more, you may charge them as little as five or six dollars. For someone ordering a shirt with six colors, you'd likely charge between twelve and fourteen dollars for the shirt or as low as eight dollars if they are buying in bulk.

How much profit can a screen printing business make?

The amount of profit you can make is completely dependent on how many customers and orders you get per year. Some successful screen printers make $100,000 a year or more by amassing large numbers of clients that need to regularly order shirts in bulk. Realistically, your profits will be smaller to start with, although the ability to do this business from home means that you can start it as a second job and build your brand and reputation before making this your sole form of income.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Most of your customers will order from you online, so consider investing in some form of software to help you monitor customer data and email them about your latest products and deals. Try to offer a large variety of clothing options—while every screenprinter sells t-shirts, you may be able to sell things like hoodies and tank tops that the competition simply doesn't have. Finally, keep detailed records of what is selling well and what is not, and use each quarter to refocus your business on giving your customers more of what they want.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your screen printing business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they're a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business's debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business's liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your screen printing business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We've negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

Form Your LLC Now

Note: If you're interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a screen printing business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Certificate of Occupancy

A screen printing business is generally run out of a storefront. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

• If you plan to lease a location :
• It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
• Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a screen printing business.
• After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
• If you plan to purchase or build a location :
• You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
• Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your screen printing business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Screen Printing Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Screen Printing Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a screen printing business

As mentioned earlier, be sure to create a professionally designed website. In addition to traditional newspaper and radio advertising, be sure to advertise on social media—highly visual services such as Instagram provide a natural way to show off your designs. Finally, make personal contact with as many businesses and community groups as you can, as these organizations typically have need to produce custom t-shirts in large quantities.

How to keep customers coming back

In addition to the advertising methods mentioned above, you should hold online contests to build interest. This might include free shirts for people who submit the best new shirt designs, or discounted shirts for those who refer their friends. Also, be sure to pre-make shirts you know will be successful and sell them at local events. From music festivals to comic conventions, any concentrated gathering of people with the same interests represents an opportunity to reach a large audience with your products.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is great for artists, giving them a venue to create their own designs and sell them via t-shirts. It is also great for those with strong community ties, as it lets them build long-lasting relationships providing t-shirts for various high school clubs, small businesses, local churches, and other organizations. Finally, it's a good business for savvy social media users as they can leverage these skills to reach diverse audiences of customers online.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a screen printing business?

The daily activities of a screen printing business are pretty straightforward: much of your time is spent communicating with existing customers, advertising to prospective customers, and finalizing designs for shirts. Beyond this, your time is spent buying and receiving raw materials, printing designs on shirts, and delivering them to your customers.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful screen printing business?

Skills in Photoshop and other image manipulation software will be invaluable in starting your business. Similarly, previous experience printing your own t-shirt designs for friends and family is a major help before doing so professionally. Photography experience can also be useful because there are some parallel skills, including working in specialized dark rooms.

What is the growth potential for a screen printing business?

The growth potential for such a business is modest, with the industry growing nearly two percent between 2011 and 2016. It is worth noting that the increasing popularity of buying custom products online through sites such as Etsy gives you more venues to find customers.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a screen printing business?

Try to quickly identify a target market and create a specialty product for that market. Be sure to give yourself ample time to learn how to operate the machinery and develop shirts in short amounts before doing it full time. Finally, don't forget to attach tags to the shirts you sell—this serves as an additional way to build your brand and advertise your products.

How and when to build a team

Because many screen printing businesses are run from people's homes, it is unlikely you will need a team such as a formal retail team. However, you may want to partner with gifted artists in order to offer a greater diversity of designs for your products. If you do so, you should wait until after the first year (at minimum) to ensure there is enough demand to warrant expanding your team and splitting your profits.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• American Screen Printing Association
• Printing United Alliance
• Instant Imprints franchise opportunity

Real World Examples

• Underground Printing
• Custom Ink (online business)
• Ann Arbor Tees

Further Reading

• Mistakes to avoid
• Tips for starting this business
• Additional tips

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

How To Start a Screen Printing Business

In this post, we’ll cover the steps for starting your own screen printing business, along with resources you’ll need during the startup phase and after your company opens.

Step by step, let’s get started.

Steps to Starting a Screen Printing Business

1. make sure running a business is right for you.

Running a business takes skill, organization, and a lot of time. It’s different from a job; you’re always working and thinking about your business as an entrepreneur. It’s not a 9-5 hour shift. But, you are always working or thinking about your business.

You may enjoy screen printing, but running the business may not appeal to you. So you want to make sure you are fit for both.

For more, see  Business Startup Considerations.

2. Research

Business research.

Research is one of the most important steps to starting a business. The more you do, the better your outcome. With good information, you’ll make better decisions and reduce mistakes.

You need to speak with screen printing professionals to get the best information.

In the article below, you’ll find tips and insights to contact those people and speak with them.

See  An Inside Look Into the Business You Want To Start  for more.

Target Audience

Understanding your target audience helps you set up your business to your customer’s preference and is necessary when marketing your business.

For more, see,  How To Understand Your Target Market .

3. Setup Considerations

You need to have a vision of the type of setup you want. Answering a few questions like the following can help:

• Are you planning a part-time or full-time operation?
• Will you be operating from home or considering a manufacturing setup?
• Are you focused on retail sales or the wholesale market?
• Are you planning on doing all the work yourself or hiring a crew?
• Will you be creating the designs yourself or hiring a graphic designer?
• Will you be focused on services or creating your products to sell retail?
• Are you planning on a partnership or investors, or do you want complete ownership and control?

The questions above can help you visualize your business once it is open.

4. Choosing The Right Business Location

The location of your operation must be suitable, or your chances of success will diminish. You want an area where there is demand, and the competition is acceptable.

For example, if you consider a wholesale market, you want to be in an appropriate distribution center area.

For more, see  Choosing The Best Location for Your Business.

5. Choose a Business Name

You need to consider a business name that is catchy and memorable. You will spend time and money marketing your business name so take the time to choose one you’ll be happy with.

Remember that you may be printing your business name on some of the items you produce, so it must look good in print.

In addition to selecting a business name, you will want a matching  domain name  for your website.

See the following for more:

• How To Register a Business Name
• Name Ideas for a Screen Printing Business

6. Business Registration

Register your business, so you can legally operate it. Setting up your business takes time and consideration because there are different options for structuring it.

I suggest you get an overview of the options and consult your lawyer or accountant to have a suitable legal setup for your situation.

See,  How to Register Your Business  for all the details.

7. Create Your Corporate ID

A corporate ID includes your logo, business cards , stationary, promotional items, etc. You will want a professional design because this is part of branding your business.

See  A Complete Introduction to Corporate Identity Packages  for more.

8. Estimating Your Startup Cost

An accurate estimate of your startup cost is a must, so you have enough funds to open your doors to the public. Start by listing everything you can think of, and when you start researching your costs, more issues will appear that you can add to your list.

For more, see,  Estimating Start-up Costs: Are you Missing Anything?  Also, see,  Business Expenses To Consider.

9. Writing a Business Plan

A business plan is a document needed to help you set up your operation accoding to your goals, and it will keep you on track when your business is in full operation.

A financial institution will not process your loan application without a professional business plan.

For details, see  How to Write a Business Plan.

10. Set up Your Banking

You’ll need to separate your personal and business finances, so you need a business checking account and a merchant account to accept credit and debit card payments. The links below offer all the details.

For more, see,  How to Open a Business Bank Account  and  What Is a Merchant Account, and How to Get One.

11. Get the Funding for Your Operation

You may already have the money to open, apply for a business loan, or attract investors.

When you apply for a business loan, you’ll need your business plan and enough collateral.

To prepare for your application, see the article below.

For ideas, see our article,  Getting a Small Business Loan.

12. Software Setup

You might need business and design applications to operate a screen printing business. The links below can help you find the right software.

I suggest you do your research for each software package you are considering.

• Screen printing business software
• Small business software

13. Get The Right Business Insurance

There shouldn’t be any physical activity in your business without the right insurance coverage to protect your customers, employees, and properties.

Speak with an experienced broker to review the coverage you will need. See the article below for the details.

For more on business insurance, see  What to Know About Business Insurance . You will also want to browse the latest  search results for screen printing business insurance .

14. Choose Suppliers

Working with a great supplier will contribute to smooth operations. However, it takes time to find a good supplier and develop a good one with them.

See the following article for a quick overview of,  How To Choose a Supplier.

15. Physical Setup

You’ll need to set up your operation so that it’s laid out to enhance production. In addition, you will want it to be organized and look good in case a customer drops by and wants a tour.

Office Setup

You’ll spend most of your time managing your business from your office. Therefore, you want it to be fully equipped, organized, and set up to your preference so that you’re productive.

For details, see,  Here are Considerations for The Setup of Your Office .

Company Sign

Your company sign must be impressive and legible from a distance. It’s the first thing your customers will see before walking in the door. There are many options when choosing a business sign, and you can get all the details from the article below.

For more, see,  All About Company Signs.

16. Creating a Website

Your website should be your main online property, which will play an important part in attracting new customers, relating information, and showing your work. Therefore, your website must be quick and mobile-friendly.

You will want to register your  domain name  and sign up for hosting so that you have full control over your website, whether you create it yourself or use a professional.

For more, see our page on  How to Build a Website.

17. Create an External Support Team

An external support team is a group of people that can help you with their services and advice. Once your team is built, which can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, you’ll have a group of people you can depend on if you plan to expand your business or need advice.

Your team may include a lawyer, accountant, IT professional, marketing consultant, industrial engineer, etc.

For the details, see,  Building a Team of Professional Advisors.

18. Hiring Employees

Hiring is an important business process. So naturally, you want full coverage for your operation, and at the same time, you don’t want to be overstaffed because payroll is a big expense for running a business.

Develop your hiring skills to select the right candidate for each available position.

The article below offers tips and insights when you’re ready to hire employees.

For more, see,  How and When to Hire a New Employee.

Considerations

We have gone through the steps of starting your screen printing business. Now let’s look at a few points to consider.

Getting Customers Through The Door

Once your business opens, it’s time to build your customer base. So, again, we have a separate article to help you get customers through the door.

Take some time to review the article, choose those techniques that make sense to you, and start putting them in place to build your customer base and generate revenue.

For a list of tips, see our article  How To Get Customers Through the Door , to find a few ideas you can use.

Marketing Ideas

Whether you decide to market your business or hire a professional, you’ll need to know about marketing.

Below is a link to our marketing section, which offers a variety of articles. Make marketing a habit.

See our  marketing section  to spark your creativity for more ideas to market your business.

To determine your profit, you will need to understand your operating cost, which can vary due to unforeseen events. Then, you take your revenue and subtract your overhead cost, giving you a net profit. I always say to keep your expense minimal without sacrificing quality or productivity.

See,  Factors Affecting Business Profit

You will want your prices to be within market range. If your price is too high, you could lose sales, and if the price is too low, you will be viewed as a discount outlet.

See the articles below that can offer tips for setting your prices accordingly.

See the latest  screen printing prices  and  tips for setting your prices.

Every business has challenges. Understanding them allows you to prepare before you encounter them. The link below offers a chance to look into the challenges of a screen printing business.

See the latest about the  challenges of running a screen printing business.

The sections below offer an opportunity to learn more about the screen printing industry. In addition, most links lead to search results, so you always have updated information whenever you visit this page.

Trends and Statistics

Looking at trends and statistics gives an overview of the industry and where it’s headed. You may want to check out the link below if you have a few minutes.

See  screen printing trends and statistics  for the latest.

Top Screen Printing Businesses

Looking at similar businesses allows you to look at what others are providing and identify if you are missing anything you can put in place to gain a competitive edge.

I suggest you spend some time studying  top screen printing businesses.

The Future of The Screen Printing Industry

Looking into what’s coming in the industry allows you to prepare for updates before they occur.

For example, there may be a new machine that can complete the job in half the time. So planning on getting this machinery can increase your production by 50%, which allows you to plan for increased sales and distribution.

See the link below for future predictions.

The future of the screen printing industry.

It’s essential to get the right equipment, or productivity will suffer. You need consistency and want to avoid any downtime due to equipment problems.

Whenever you invest in important equipment, research what others are experiencing. You should also see one in operation, where you could speak with the operator to get firsthand information.

See the latest search results for  screen printing equipment.

Terminology

You may want to brush up on your terminology before you get started.

For example, see the latest search results for  screen printing industry terminology.

A Day In The Life

“A day in the life” refers to other people’s experiences in the industry. It’s another way to get exposure and learn more about your screen printing business.

For an overview of others’ experiences in the field, see the  Search results for a day in the life of a screen printing business owner .

Businesses For Sale

Before starting from scratch, you may want to look into the listings of screen printing businesses for sale.

Sometimes buying an established business with a customer base might be a better option than starting from scratch.

Looking at the listings online doesn’t hurt; see  Buy a Business or Build One  and check the search results of  screen printing businesses listed for sale.

Franchise Opportunities

In addition to looking for businesses for sale, you may find a franchise opportunity related to screen printing.

Naturally, a franchise has pros and cons, but the pros can outweigh the cons because you’re working with a proven system recognized by the public, so it doesn’t hurt to see what franchise opportunities are available.

See  What To Know About Owning a Franchise  and the latest search results for  screen printing franchise opportunities.

Knowledge Is Power if You Use It!

In the following sections, you’ll find a collection of resources you can use to better understand the industry.

You can use forms to stay in touch with the industry and see what others post. You can even get in on the conversation and, with time, brand yourself as an expert.

• See the latest search results for the  top screen printing industry forums.

Taking a course will help to improve your skills in the industry. You may be interested in a course at a local educational institution or would rather take a self-study course. Either way, it’s worth taking a couple minutes to browse the latest search results to see what courses are available related to screen printing.

• View the latest courses related to  screen printing

Blogs are an excellent way to get a constant stream of information to your inbox. By subscribing to the top blogs in the industry, information will start to flow to your email then you can unsubscribe to those that don’t offer value. In the end, you’ll have a list of hand-picked blogs that deliver consistent information.

• screen printing blogs  to follow

Books are another learning method you can use to improve your skills in the industry. Building a library of books allows you to access information anytime you need it.

What I like about non-fiction books is that you don’t have to read the book from cover to cover to get the information you’re looking for; instead, you can jump to the chapter you need.

• Books on Amazon related to  screen printing

Using a site like Google news, you can stay up-to-date with what the media covers regarding screen printing. You can even set up an alert to get notified whenever something new is published in the media.

• See Google’s news search results related to the  screen printing industry
• News search results related to a  screen printing business

YouTube is another source of information to view the latest videos related to screen printing. In addition, many authors are experienced in the industry, so you can pick up valuable tips.

• Screen printing business
• Professional screen printing
• Professional screen printing machines

Privacy Overview

Screen Printing Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Arts & Craft Sector

Are you about starting a screen printing business ? If YES, here is a complete sample screen printing business plan template & feasibility study you can use for FREE . The screen printing business is some kind of business that anyone who wishes to make good money from should look up to. This is because of the level of profit that can be acquired in this trade.

A Sample Screen Printing Service Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The printing industry is indeed a very large industry with many subsets.   The screen printing art is one of the active lines of business in the printing industry. Screen printing basically is a printing technique in which a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made watertight to the ink by a blocking stencil.

The process works in such a way that a blade or squeegee is moved across the screen to fill the open mesh apertures with ink, and a reverse stroke then causes the screen to touch the substrate momentarily along a line of contact. This process causes the ink to wet the substrate and be pulled out of the mesh apertures as the screen springs back after the blade has passed through it.

Suggested for You

• Paint and Sip Business Plan [Sample Template]
• Taxidermy Business Plan [Sample Template]
• Crochet Business Plan [Sample Template]
• Pottery Business Plan (Sample Template)
• Performing Arts School Business Plan (Sample Template)

On the other hand, screen printing is also a stencil method of print making, in which a design is imposed on a screen of polyester or other fine mesh, with blank areas coated with a watertight substance. Ink is forced into the mesh openings by the fill blade or squeegee and by wetting the substrate, transferred onto the printing surface during the squeegee stroke.

As the screen rebounds away from the substrate the ink remains on the substrate. It can also be referred to as silk-screen, screen, serigraphy, and serigraph printing. One color is printed at a time, so several screens can be used to produce a multi – colored image, pattern or design.

Players in the Screen Printing industry engage in screen printing without publishing on a job-order basis. Printing services carried out by screen printing companies are stationary, invitations, labels and apparel such as T-shirts, caps, jackets and towels amongst many others.

The Screen Printing industry has been growing steadily over the years; many thanks to the demand from downstream consumers and businesses. The industry has regained the losses it incurred in time past, when cash-strapped consumers were unable to allocate funds to discretionary expenditures like custom T-shirts, caps, jackets, towels et al.

Going forward, growing economy, rising income for both businesses and consumers will support the growth of the industry. We are not ruling out increasing competition from alternative providers will continue to pose a threat to screen printing companies.

Currently, the Screen Printing industry is currently in the mature stage of its business – life cycle. Industry value-added (IVA), a measure of an industry’s contribution to the overall economy, is forecast to increase at an average rate of 2.3 percent annually in the next 10 years. This growth rate is slightly below the 2.5 percent annual US GDP growth expected over the same period.

This level of growth is indicative of an industry that is in its mature phase and that its share of the economy is holding. Despite the fact the Screen Printing industry is classified as a mature industry, players in the industry have been increasing their investments into new technologies and systems so as to increase their income.

These investments to a large extent are directed towards increasing the online presence of industry operators as well as investing in redesigning and re – inventing efficient screen printing machines and equipment. The screen printing services industry is indeed a very large industry and pretty much active in all the parts of the world. There are no company that has a dominate market share in the industry.

Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 5,818 registered and licensed screen printing services companies responsible for employing about 18,410 and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $2bn annually.

The industry is projected to enjoy 3.7 percent annual growth. Over and above, the screen printing services industry is pretty much open to new entrepreneurs and investors to come in and build a successful business.

2. Executive Summary

Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC is a U.S based and world – class screen printing company. We have been able to secure a standard and well – positioned office facility in a busy business district in Virginia Beach – Virginia. We are a world class screen printing company that is set to compete in the highly competitive screen printing industry not only in the United States market, but also in the global market.

Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC will be involved in the all aspects of screen printing services such as Apparel screen printing, Balloons screen printing, Decals, Medical devices screen printing, Printed electronics, including circuit board printing, Product labels, Signs and displays, Snowboard graphics, Textile fabric, Thick film technology, Stationery screen printing, Label screen printing and other related services.

Our business goal is to become one of the leading interior design companies in the United States and we will make sure that every graphic design jobs that leaves our studio can favorable compete with the best in the industry. Our workers are going to be selected from a pool of talented and highly creative printers in and around Virginia Beach – Virginia and also from any part of the world as the business grows.

We will make sure that we take all the members of our workforce through the required trainings that will position them to meet the expectation of the company and to compete with leading screen printing companies in the United States and throughout the globe.

At Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC our client’s best interest come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by delivering excellent and neat jobs and also meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients. Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC is founded by Mr. Gabriel Ted and his wife Mrs. Grace Ted. They have well over 25 years of combined experience working with leading brands in the Printing cum Screen Printing industry.

They will be bringing in their expertise and experience to help build Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC to compete favorably with other leading Screen Printing brands in Virginia Beach – Virginia and throughout the United States of America

3. Our Products and Services

Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC was established with the aim of maximizing profits in the Screen Printing industry. We want to compete favorably with the leading screen printing companies in the United States of America which is why we have but in place a competent quality assurance team that will ensure that all our screen printing jobs and other related printing services rendered meet and even surpass our customers’ expectations.

We will work hard to ensure that Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC is not just accepted in Virginia Beach – Virginia but also nationally throughout the United States of America. Our screen printing services are listed below;

• Apparel screen printing
• Balloons screen printing
• Medical devices screen printing
• Printed electronics, including circuit board printing
• Product labels
• Signs and displays
• Snowboard graphics
• Textile fabric
• Thick film technology
• Stationery screen printing
• Label screen printing
• Merchandise sales
• Screen printing consulting and advisory services
• Other related printing services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to establish a standard and world class screen printing company whose services and brand will not only be accepted in Virginia Beach – Virginia but also all through the United States of America, but also in other parts of the world.
• Our mission is to build a world class screen printing company that will be known to execute top notch screen printing projects and to become the number one choice for textile companies, advertising and promotion agencies and other stake holder in the industry.
• We want to build a screen printing company that can favorably compete with other leading brands in the industry.

Our Business Structure

Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC is a screen printing company that intends to set out in a small manner in Virginia Beach, but hope to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading screen printing companies in the industry both in the United States and on a global stage.

We are aware of the importance of building a solid business structure that can support the picture of the kind of world class business we want to own. This is why we are committed to only hire the best hands within our area of operations.

At Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC, we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, creative, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the board of trustees of the company. In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer
• Creative Director

Human Resources and Admin Manager

• Sales and Marketing Executive
• Interior Designer

Client Service Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization

Creative Director:

• Serves as project manager of the organization; works directly with employees
• Responsible for designing and approving concepts for screen printing of materials for client
• Develops strategic plan by studying technological and financial opportunities; presenting assumptions; recommending objectives.
• Accomplishes subsidiary objectives by establishing plans, budgets, and results measurements; allocating resources; reviewing progress; making mid-course corrections.
• Coordinates efforts by establishing procurement, production, marketing, field, and technical services policies and practices; coordinating actions with corporate staff.
• Builds company image by collaborating with customers, government, community organizations, and employees; enforcing ethical business practices.
• Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications / journals; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies.
• Makes certain that production and development department perform efficiently, coordinate employee efforts, and facilitate communications between management and interior designers
• Ensures that the organization work in line with international best practices.
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office and factory activities.

Sales and Marketing Manager

• Manage external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Models demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Create new markets cum businesses for the organization
• Empower and motivates the sales team to meet and surpass agreed targets

Accountant / Cashier:

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for Pick ‘a’ Brain™ Finishing School
• Serves as internal auditor for Pick ‘a’ Brain™ Finishing School

Pattern Maker and Screen Printing Operators

• Liaises with clients to determine their requirement and budget
• working to a brief, which details what the space will be used for, and finding out the client’s personal ideas and requirements
• Responsible for creating patterns and operating screen printing machines cum equipment
• Responsible for negotiating fees and setting schedules for the project
• Responsible for researching and drawing up rough plans
• Responsible for developing detailed designs and choosing materials
• Responsible for supervising the work as it is carried out
• Responsible for preparing drafts or material based on an agreement brief.
• Research and advice the organization on style, genre and other trendy info as it relates to screen printing and patterns et al.
• Welcomes clients and visitors by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to potential clients when they make enquiries

6. SWOT Analysis

Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC hire the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured screen printing business that can favorably compete in the highly competitive screen printing industry in the United States and the world at large.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC;

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of creative and highly proficient screen printers, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas in the printing industry.

Aside from the synergy that exists in our carefully selected pattern markers and screen printers, we have some of the latest and efficient screen printing machines and equipment and of course our designs and services will be guided by best practices in the industry.

As a new screen printing company in Virginia Beach – Virginia, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from the government and other top profile clients in the already saturated and highly competitive screen printing industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Another weakness is that we may not have the required cash to promote our business the way we would want to.

• Opportunities:

No doubt, the opportunities in the screen printing industry is massive considering the number of individuals and corporate organizations printing on souvenirs and promotional materials and would need the services of screen printing companies to print on their materials. As a screen printing company, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that is available in the industry.

Just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing / spending power. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new screen printing company in same location where our target market exist and who may want to adopt same Business model like us.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

One of the trends in the screen printing industry is that to print multiple copies of the screen design on garments in an efficient manner, amateur and professional printers usually use a screen printing press. Many players in the industry offer simple to sophisticated printing presses with excellent printing jobs.

Majority of these screen printing presses are manually operated. A few of them that are industrial – grade-automatic printers require minimal manual labor and increase production significantly. As a screen printing company, you are expected to keep tab with new trends and products that are always coming up in the industry.

It is important to state that in recent time, for any screen printing company to continue to stay in business and grow, they must continue to come up with highly creative design and concepts and also engage in other printing related services.

8. Our Target Market

Before starting our screen printing company, we are certain that there is a wide range of both corporate and individual clients who cannot successfully carry out promotions and branding of their products and services without hiring the services of screen printing press.

We will ensure that we develop strategic pacts with corporate organizations, advertising and branding agencies, and religious organizations et al. This will give us several options to generate revenue for our company. In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate organizations and individual who we know can’t afford to do without our services.

We have conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that our entire screen printing services is well accepted in the market place. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically market our products and services to;

• Banks, Insurance Companies and other related Financial Institutions
• Blue Chips Companies
• Corporate Organizations
• Manufacturers and Distributors
• Real Estate Owners, Developers, and Contractors
• Research and Development Companies
• The Government (Public Sector)
• Schools (High Schools, Colleges and Universities)
• Celebrities, Politicians, Public Figures and Public Speakers
• Sport Organizations
• Religious Organizations
• Political Parties
• Television Stations
• Printing Press (Publishing Houses) and Authors
• Branding and Advertising agencies
• Aspiring celebrities
• Entrepreneurs and Start – Ups

Our Competitive Advantage

No doubt the competition in the screen printing industry is getting stiffer by the day, you have to be highly creative and come up with appealing designs and concepts and very neat jobs in order to survive in the industry.

The screen printing industry is indeed a profitable and at the same time a highly competitive industry; it enjoys strong demand as organizations and individuals continue to print materials for promotional purposes. Clients will only hire your services if they know that they can get nothing but the best from you.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the screen printing industry means that you are not only expected to be able to deliver consistent and highly creative designs, but you must be able to meet set targets. No one would want to continue to hire your services if don’t always meet up with the target date of completion of projects.

Our competitive advantage lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of creative and highly proficient pattern makers and screen printers, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas in the printing industry.

Lastly, all our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups screen printing companies in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the screen printing cum printing industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to meet and surpass the expectations of all our clients.

Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC will generate income by offering the following screen printing services and other printing related services;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be corporate organizations and individuals who would need the services of screen printing companies whenever they have to conduct promotions and branding and also to print on souvenirs et al.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in interior screen printing industry and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow our screen printing company to enviable heights.

We have been able to critically examine the screen printing market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Virginia Beach – Virginia.

Below is the sales projection for Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC, it is based on the location of our business and of course the wide range of our services and target market;

• First Year-: $150,000
• Second Year-: $400,000
• Third Year-: $750,000

N.B: This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same screen printing services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are not ignorant of the fact that there is stiffer competition in the screen printing industry; there are loads of screen printing companies jostling for contracts which is why we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the screen printing industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their set targets and the overall business goal of Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC.

Our goal is to grow Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC to become one of the leading screen printing companies in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategies that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Virginia Beach – Virginia but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients and win screen printing contracts;

• Introduce our screen printing company by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, advertising and branding agencies, religious organizations and key stake holders.
• Promptness in bidding for screen printing contracts from the government and other cooperate organizations
• Advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• List our business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
• Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver excellent screen printing services
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We are really aware of the fact that no business does successfully well without getting ample words out to the people they target. It is for this reason that we have been able to work with brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate clients and individual clients in the whole of the Virginia Beach and beyond which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our screen printing company.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC;

• Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our services
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Virginia Beach – Virginia
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact corporate organizations and residence in our target areas by calling them up and informing them of Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC and the services we offer
• List our screen printing company in local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our screen printing company in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles and trucks are well branded with our company logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

If you are conversant with the screen printing industry, you will realize that the pricing structure ranges from fixed price rate to per square foot billing and even to the quantity of materials to be printed on. Almost all screen printing companies adopts all the available pricing system as it applies to the quantity of the job or project they are expected to execute.

At Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC we will adopt all the pricing system as is obtainable in the industry but we will ensure that we keep the prices of our services a little below the average market rate for all of our customers by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance from corporate organizations who would hire our services to help them print on their promotional materials.

In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our customers at regular intervals. We are aware that there are some one-off jobs or government contracts which are always lucrative; we will ensure that we abide by the pricing model that is expected from contractors or organizations that bid for such contracts.

• Payment Options

It is our duty to make sure that we have the best payment options in place for our clients at all times.   This is one of the reasons why we have gone ahead to research and come up with the best. At Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC, our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them.

Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment with cash

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. When it comes to setting up a screen printing business, the materials and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a screen printing company; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us to setup Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC in Virginia Beach – Virginia, U.S;

• Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring an office space or warehouse that will accommodate the number of employees for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $150,000.
• Equipping the office (computers, screen printing machines and equipment, servers / internet facility, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $10,000
• Amount required to purchase the needed software applications – $ 3,500
• Launching an official Website will cost – $500
• Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about two hundred thousand (350,000) U.S. dollars to successfully set – up a medium scale but standard screen printing company in the United States of America.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC

Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC is a family business that will be owned by Mr. Gabriel Ted and his wife Mrs. Grace Ted. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 (Personal savings $85,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $250,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our screen printing services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Rainbow Screen Printing™, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Securing a standard office facility plus renovation of the facility: Completed
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of Logo for the business: Completed
• Secure trademark for our products: In Progress
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, office equipment, software applications, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in the real estate industries: In Progress

Start a Screen Printing Business

Transforming Blank Canvases into Masterpieces: The Artistic Journey of a Screen Printing Entrepreneur

SCREEN PRINTING BUSINESS

Related business ideas, discover your perfect domain, screen printing mini business plan, business analysis of screen printing business, expected percent margin:, earnings expectations:, actions to hit those numbers:, equipment & supplies:, marketing and customer acquisition:, cost control:, business operations:, not what you had in mind here are more ideas, grab your business website name, step 1: determine if a screen printing business is right for you, examples of ways to make money, breakdown of startup expenses, breakdown of ongoing expenses, step 2: name your business, step 3: create a business plan, step 4: obtain licenses and permits, obtaining the licenses and permits, cost of licenses and permits, keeping licenses and permits up to date, step 5: purchase equipment, where to purchase equipment, financing options, maintenance and upkeep, step 6: market your business, tips for effective marketing, step 7: set up a website, setting up the website, promoting the website, step 8: make money, step 9: market your business, tips for marketing your business, step 9: keep records, types of records to keep, benefits of keeping records, how to keep records, explore more categories, take the next steps.

Free Software Assessment: Our online software assessment will help determine if Printavo can help fill gaps in your order and production management workflow. Take the assessment !

How to Start a Successful Screen Printing Business

Before you read…

Printavo is simple shop management software. We help you streamline your business, keep jobs moving forward and your team on the same page.

Scheduling, quoting, approvals, payments, customer communication, automation and more. With Printavo, you’ll work smarter–not harder.

Printers and artists

Entrepreneurs, community builders, how much money do screen print shops make, what problem do you solve, who is your ideal customer.

• Buying garments
• Buying equipment
• Leasing vs. buying your space

Starter kits vs. buying individual equipment

Google suite, content marketing, email: the most powerful tool you have, lead your town, try retargeted advertising.

• Growing from $0 to $250k

Growing from $250k to $1M

Poor processes, mismanaged job scheduling, not meeting due dates.

• Prices set too low

A note from Bruce, Printavo’s founder:

I started a screen printing business at University of Illinois.

I always loved fashion, design, skateboarding and computers – and screen printing managed to combine all of my interests (and make some extra cash). I made Printavo to help screen printers get organized and solve their most common problems. Now it’s used by thousands of print shops in more than 40 countries!

If you want to start a screen printing business, make sure you love:

• Apparel and printing
• Dealing with customers
• Working on (and in!) a business

These are the three key elements!

Don’t get into screen printing just for the money. I can promise that you’ll burn out…and end up hating screen printing.

When you’re up printing at 2 AM, or have to redo an order because of a fussy customer, or wind up needing to remake a screen because it just broke and you’re on a tight deadline..loving what you do will keep you pushing forward.

What are the benefits of owning a screen printing business?

Owning your own business is part of the American dream. Screen printing offers people from all walks of life an opportunity for entrepreneurship – and a way to connect with their local community. Unique for its large market of small-to-medium size print shops, the US has a vibrant and diverse screen printing industry. 

Think about your favorite t-shirt. It was printed somewhere! Screen printers make lasting connections with their communities by creating custom merchandise that people love – and wear around town. While you may not know the shop that made your favorite shirt right now, you’ll soon learn that screen printing is a tightly-knit community with helpful Facebook Groups . The history of modern screen printing is rich thanks to the people that make up the industry. It’s filled with artists , entrepreneurs , and even parents looking for a side hustle .

What types of people own screen printing businesses?

Printavo has helped thousands of screen printers start, organize, and grow their business – so we’ve seen a few common trends in the people that succeed as screen printers.

There are three major types of people we’ve discovered that love screen printing and love working in the industry.

If you love printing itself or artwork , screen printing has a place for you. 

Printers typically have an eye for detail, love experimenting with process and technique, and adore working with their hands. They don’t mind spending all day on their feet experimenting with different screens and squeegees because there’s a thrill to putting ink on a shirt that they live for.

You can find printers working as press operators, production managers, and even as owners! Lots of print shops (like SHIRT KONG ) have started because a young screen printer wanted to try and do things their own way.

Artists can come from many walks of life, but they’re driven by crafting great artwork for screen printing. Shops like The Yetee use art as a gateway to the communities they want to reach. Think about it: you can print almost anything on a t-shirt (as long as you don’t violate copyright law).

Then, people wear your art everywhere. More compelling, art for screen printing is driven by process and technique: artists have to be aware of the limitations of screen printing. Even a simple photograph or painting can be a challenging puzzle to figure out how to screen print. But that limitation isn’t a constraint – it makes screen print artists particularly adaptable and creative.

Artists can also make a career out of t-shirt and merchandise design on sites like Upwork, creating vibrant and purposeful designs for clients of all stripes.

“The t-shirt is the ultimate canvas,” Jon Weiss told us . He would know – he’s co-inventor of colorful simulated process screen printing , the kind of high-color print you’d see for sports championships in the 90s.

Entrepreneurs are the driven visionaries of the screen printing world. They’re the ones that “jump out of the plane and build a parachute as they fall.” While some entrepreneurs start as artists or printers, they’re animated by the desire to grow their organization and serve their customers. They come in all personality types and interests – you don’t have to be a natural salesman to be an entrepreneur (though it can help).

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably an entrepreneur.

You fantasize about printing for a big client like Nike or Amazon.

The idea of staying up late to rush an order out to please a customer doesn’t scare you.

Imagining a big stack of shirts that needs printing probably gets you excited.

You don’t mind taking on some risk if there’s a much bigger potential reward in the future.

You’d probably pass the marshmallow test as a kid.

Screen printing in the US is full of entrepreneurs. Some of them never print a t-shirt in their life thanks to contract printing , leaving it to the printers and artists.

Others find ways to be involved with screen printing in other ways. One of screen printing’s most exemplary entrepreneurs is Ryonet’s Ryan Moor . Just a few years ago he started selling screen printing kits off Amazon as a way to pick up some cash on the side.

Now, Ryonet is a world-reaching screen printing supply distribution behemoth.

The community builders are in screen printing because they love their communities. Screen printing is a powerful way to spread a message quickly. Within a few hours, you can make and distribute hundreds of prints. From flatstock posters to t-shirts, screen printing can be an easy way to get the word out about events, bands, brands, and virtually anything else.

These businesses are the most unique (and most rare) in screen printing. They’ve crafted a special position in their community (or their customer niche). Some examples include the Spudnik Press Co-op , Rockford Art Deli , and Calimucho .

Don’t imagine that community builders aren’t savvy business people – they often choose the exact clients they want to work with and aren’t motivated by expanding their business.

They might say “no” to more projects than they say “yes” to.

But they carefully pick the right projects and work with the right people.

T here’s a lot of value in exclusivity! Look at brands like Kanye, Air Jordan, Nike, or even Cookies.

Do screen print shops make a lot of money? That depends on their business model, their customers, their prices, and their overhead.

Many print shops may not hit show-stopping revenue numbers. But a lot of screen printers turn a tidy profit on their work by carefully controlling their pricing and only taking on orders that they can print at a profit. 

In the US, the amount of revenue screen print shops make follows a fairly normal distribution. This means the overwhelming majority of shops collect revenues between $100,000 to $1,000,000. There are hundreds of shops with revenues above $1M. However, there are very few screen print shops with revenues above $5M.

Note: the most common way screen print businesses fail is by setting their prices too low and failing to account for all of their fixed costs.

How to build a business plan

Begin with the end in mind: what is your ultimate goal? As you start your business, consider what your ultimate goal is. This is your dream, so consider the exact outcome you want 20, 30, or 40 years from now. Do you want to sell the business? Leave it to your kids? Grow it as large as you can? Work with certain clients and businesses? Become the best printer?

Thinking with the end in mind is a powerful way to focus your efforts. “This will make every decision you make along the way much easier,” says legendary screen printer and industry consultant Mark Coudray .

Note: for some ideas about what screen print shops can be, check out Printavo’s print shop tours .

The best screen printing businesses solve a problem. That may sound ridiculous – how can printed items solve problems? But the truth is that it’s extremely challenging to order and procure t-shirts and other merchandise. Large companies have staff dedicated to purchasing and distributing “company swag” – it’s that challenging of a task!

The items you print are not what solve your customer’s problem. 

The way you will solve problems for a customer (and, ultimately, add value ) comes down to communication, execution, and professionalism.

Communication is how you talk to customers, when you send them messages, whether you use the phone or emails or texts, and what you say.

Execution is how you deliver what you promise on schedule.

And professionalism is the magic X factor – it’s how you make people feel once they’ve ordered from you.

Professionalism doesn’t mean you need to wear a suit and tie. It just means you’ve presented a top-notch custom experience for your customer from order intake to payment to delivery.

If you define the core customers you want, all of your marketing and sales efforts become much simpler. To get a better grasp of who your customers are, write simple customer profiles:

• Who they are
• What their problem is
• Where they will purchase from you (in store, online, etc.)
• When they want to order (seasonal vs. recurring vs. one-time)
• Why they need custom printed merchandise
• How you solve their problem

You should NOT try to be everything to every single person! Once you’ve built several customer profiles, think hard about the potential and longevity of each type of customer.

For potential, consider whether this is a customer that will come back again and again – or whether they will only need a few small, one-off orders.

For longevity, consider whether this is a customer that can grow with you – or whether they’re a customer that won’t last long or doesn’t need your help.

Finally, consider what your brand is like. Your logo is great, sure…but how’s your brand?

The entrepreneurial nature of screen printing means that screen print shops come in all sizes and all types. Screen print shops have brands that range from punk-rock to manufacturing powerhouses , with the imagery, customers, and language to go along with their brand.

“Your brand is what people say about when you’re not in the room.” – Jeff Bezos

So what do you want your business to be? Branding is where you get to imagine something and make it into reality. Your brand can be clean-cut or rough around the edges – as long as it resonates with your customers and is true to what you do.

What’s the average cost of running a screen printing business?

It’s easy to start a screen printing business.

It’s harder to sustain it , keep employees happy, turn a profit , and still pay your bills . So how much does it cost to run a screen printing business? Again – it depends on a lot of factors, from where your shop is located to what type of garments you typically print on.

“Screen printing has a tremendous number of fixed costs,” explains Mirror Image’s Rick Roth .

The most common fixed costs for print shops are (in this order):

• People: labor
• Space: rent (or mortgage) payment
• Supplies: Garment and equipment payments

If you do custom printing, you’re probably well aware that every job is different. This also means that your revenue and profit can vary considerably even if your fixed costs are the same. This is why 50% of screen print shops fail within the first 5 years: it’s a challenge to maintain and manage a consistent quote pipeline of profitable custom orders!

Screen print shops employ people at different pay and skill rates. Here are several common positions and pay ranges.

Production managers are often the highest paid employees, as they bring a set of skills that provides a lot of value to the business. We have seen production managers paid salaries that range from $60k to $100k or more.

Press operators vary by location, but skilled press operators can command $15 to $20 an hour in many urban markets. Some shops designate one press operator as the lead operator. Many press operators juggle tasks such as shipping and receiving.

Salespeople command salaries and commission that depend on their skill and experience, but many shops give sales staff a moderate salary – and a percentage of their total sales. How you structure your sales commission depends on what you want to incentivize. We suggest using profitability instead of revenue – you don’t want your sales staff to sell jobs that don’t make your shop money.

Artists can command salaries from $35k to $65k, though many work part-time hours or are paid through an hourly or per-piece rate. Many shops utilize outside art services to lower their art cost, since there may not be 40 hours of work for an artist in a typical small-to-medium screen print shop. Note: many artists also work as screen technicians, press operators, or even in sales.

Screen technicians may perform multiple duties, such as coating, exposing, and reclaiming screens. They can command hourly rates from $12 to $20, depending on their experience and where they work.

While there are many other roles and positions in screen printing shops, these 5 roles are common throughout the industry in virtually all shops that do production printing.

Buying Garments

Depending on what kind of garments you print on, you may spend a lot of money procuring garments for your customers.

This is a big reason that you should always collect 100% downpayment – if you don’t, you’re floating the cost of the garments for your customers. If they’re paying you to print on expensive North Face jackets, you could be spending thousands of dollars before the customer has paid you a single penny!

So how do shops deal with the cost of ordering t-shirts for screen printing ? They charge a markup . 

If a t-shirt costs $3 to order from a distributor like SanMar, a shop may charge the customer $5. These $2 are the shop’s markup. That doesn’t mean the shop automatically makes $2 on every shirt it buys and sells .

So how much does it cost to purchase garments for screen printing? Again – the answer is really “it depends.” Screen print shops typically buy in bulk to get “case pricing,” meaning they order in multiples of 72 shirts. You can negotiate different wholesale rates through the major garment distributors.

Note: ordering garments is really easy in Printavo. We’re integrated with TSC Apparel, SanMar, AlphaBroder and S&S Activewear catalogs.

Buying Equipment

Most shops start by purchasing used equipment , though many shops jump straight into purchasing an automatic press once they tire of printing with their hands.

High-quality screen printing equipment for a serious print shop is expensive. After all, these tools can quite literally print money! The big ticket items are presses, dryers, screen printing software and consumables.

Automatic screen printing presses range from $20k for an affordable used model all the way up to $100k or more for top-of-the-line models from top manufacturers. Manual presses cost much less, but they also are much less capable of printing high volumes. An automatic screen printing press is widely considered the dividing line between “serious” and “hobby” shops within the industry – though we don’t want to put down shops that print by hand !

Curing dryers typically cost thousands of dollars (and consume gas or electricity to boot). Once shops need an automatic screen printing press, they typically need to upgrade their dryer shortly thereafter just to keep up with the press! 

Software and consumables like ink and emulsion account for a large chunk of the cost to start a successful screen printing business, too. While consumables are just a cost of doing business, software for screen printing has a big return-on-investment by making your business organized and effective instead of disorganized and chaotic.

You’ll also have to spend money on tools (think squeegees, T-squares, and more) – but these are smaller, recurring purchases that you can think of like consumables. More advanced equipment like hybrid printers and computer-to-screen machines come later in your business growth.

Leasing vs. Buying Your Space

Ah, the classic dilemma: should you lease  or buy your screen printing shop ?

There’s no single right answer here – but we’ve talked to Real Thread’s Dru Dalton about his philosophy. He’s a renter, and he explains: “At a certain point, you have to decide whether you want to invest the money into real estate or into the business. I chose the business.”

This has been a tremendous asset for Real Thread during 2020 – they’ve been nimble enough to downsize and move because they’re not locked down to a mortgage on a big building. This has let them survive the challenging times their shop faced shortly after the pandemic began.

While we can’t tell you exactly how much you should spend on your space, a good rule of thumb for personal and business finance is to spend 30% (or less) of your total estimated revenue on your rent or mortgage.

The essential screen printing business tools

The tools you need for printing are not the same tools you need to run a successful business. You can always purchase a starter kit – or use one to get an idea of what you’ll need. It’s essential you have a way to send quotes and art for approval, get paid, and keep track of everything.

Screen printing starter kits seem like a great way to start a small business – and they can be!

But tread carefully. Remember: buy something nice, or buy something twice. Too many novice screen printers believe they can save a few bucks by buying a super-cheap screen printing kit off eBay.

These low-quality kits are infamous, and they often prey on people who don’t know enough about screen printing – but are interested in starting their own business. 

If you really want to buy a screen printing kit, we suggest going with a company like Ryonet . Their kits are priced fairly, come with reputable brands, and are backed by Ryonet’s support staff. You can also use these screen printing kits to get an idea of what you’ll need to start printing.

You need software to succeed in screen printing

Even in this day and age, screen printers overlook the value that screen printing software can add to their business.

Printavo has helped thousands of print shops in more than 40 countries get organized, grow their business, and run online stores. Never miss another deadline or get a question about when an order will be ready. The list of things Printavo can do continues to grow – everything from scheduling to approvals to payments to online stores – and it’s backed by an easily accessible team based in Chicago.

Sign up for a free trial to get a feel for how Printavo works. It’s the way to get organized, supercharge your shop, and craft an incredibly professional experience for your customers (even if you’re printing out of your garage). 

QuickBooks is the simplest way to start invoicing customers and keeping track of your payments. While QuickBooks is built for managing the finances of any small-to-medium sized business and isn’t specific to screen printing, many shops use QuickBooks simply because accountants are familiar with it.

Note: Printavo integrates directly to QuickBooks Online. We’ve found that most shops don’t have to change a thing about their accounting if they’ve used QuickBooks Online to manage their finances.

A truly indispensable set of tools, Google Suite (or GSuite) is more than just email from your domain. You’ll get Docs, Sheets, and dozens of other tools in Google’s powerful ecosystem. This is the simplest and most affordable way to give your team a set of tools that they’re probably already familiar with.

Note: looking for more info on screen printing software? We’ve got a list of more than 30 great tools to try. Read more here.

How to market a screen printing business?

Marketing your screen printing business doesn’t have to be a pain. It can be a natural part of your workflow: just take pictures of the prints you make and present them nicely. You could even post the artwork directly. Or film silly videos around your shop!

Content marketing is SUPER powerful. We’ve seen shops use content to drive customers to their online stores, create guides for customers to use when they’re placing custom orders, or even just show how to fold a t-shirt super fast.

People expect you to present some kind of content! One of our favorite suggestions is to avoid focusing too much on what you do in your shop – and instead focus on what your customers do with your products. “Tell the story behind the t-shirt,” Jon Ladd from Terminus Tees suggests. You could do a podcast, interview, or just take their picture and get a good quote.

The goal: make your brand real by guiding your customers to the right story.

Email is the most powerful way to reach customers on the web! 

Sounds kind of crazy, right? But it’s true. There’s no algorithm dictating whether your message gets delivered or not – and you can build a powerful list with very little work.

We suggest starting with MailChimp if you want to try email marketing. Make sure you’re collecting email addresses every time you interact with someone. Then start with a simple newsletter showcasing a cool print or something you’re doing around the shop. The goal: get in the habit of emailing your customers regularly so you stay top-of-mind.

The most popular print shops act like a leader in their town. They’re a bustling hub for retail, or they support really popular teams and organizations, or they’re simply present at all of the big events. “Be like the Mayor,” says Envision Tees’ Tom Rauen . 

Ever searched for something…and then seen it all over the websites you visit afterward?

That’s called retargeted advertising, and it’s specifically designed to track customers that have visited your site all around the internet!

You stay top-of-mind when you appear on major websites –  and it makes your brand way more legitimate. You can try AdRoll for retargeted advertising. Spend just a few dollars a day to start…you may see big results.

How to grow your screen printing business

So you’ve got all your ducks in a row and you’re all set.

But how do you  grow your business? 

This is where persistence really pays off. With some patience and the right mindset, you can keep doing the  right things to get you closer to your goal.

Growing from $0-250k

Growing from $0 to $250k is where sheer hustle and determination – and some long hours – can really pay off. You’re probably handling just about everything in the business right now: marketing, sales, printing, order intake, shipping, approvals, design…it’s a lot for  anyone.

The biggest piece of advice we can offer is simple:  use software to help you. 

Experimenting with different tools and types of software is  crucial during this phase because you have so much you have to handle.

We were curious how software for screen printing helps a smaller print shop, so we asked Sound & Fury’s Mike Kodak . His response floored us: “Printavo is like getting an entire employee for a fraction of the price. I was so skeptical at first, but it’s true.”

Think about it: you can handle the printing while software handles order intake, quote and art approval, sends automated emails about job statuses, stores files, and makes sure you never forget another due date. It’s like getting a secretary, assistant, and automated call center all in one.

The things that got you to $250k are not the same things that will get you to $1M and   beyond.

That’s because the superhero screen printer entrepreneur can only take things so far. What should you do next? Delegate and elevate.

At this phase in your business growth, it’s common to have a bunch of annoying, low-value, and repetitive tasks crop up. They kill your enthusiasm and make it seem like your to-do list is just endless.

Even if you can’t hire now, you have to find a way to get some of these tasks off your plate. Make a list of things you LOVE and things you DON’T LIKE. Find ways to get rid of as many “DON’T LIKE” items as possible – these are what will actually stop your business growth.

This is when standards, managers and departments become a big part of your vocabulary. Read our comprehensive guide for working on your business instead of in your business if you’re at this phase.

Common mistakes to avoid when starting a screen printing business

Since 50% of screen printing businesses fail within about 5 years, it’s worth noting the most common and expensive mistakes that print shops make .

We’ve seen these 4 major problems crop up in shops. These are the major profit-killing areas that you can avoid if you’re proactive from the beginning.

Do you understand what exactly happens when your customer places an order – from beginning to end?

Sit down with a pen and paper and try to draw it out. The odds are good that it’s a lot more complicated than you think.

How do you track and manage so many complex statuses for so many orders?

Having a clear process – from day 1, if possible – is key. It’s best if it’s written or illustrated in an area that any employee can access it. Software like Printavo can help you track your statuses and (better yet) keep everyone on the same page.

Even the tightest shops have about 3 days of wiggle room in their schedule. This gives you room to move jobs around and hit surprise rush dates. Or, candidly, give you some spare time if you make a mistake.

The best way to schedule jobs? Put things that require similar techniques and inks together. Got a bunch of hoodies coming up? Try to schedule them all on a couple days instead of spacing them out.

So you’ve hustled super hard and landed a big order for a marathon.

But for some reason, your wholesaler doesn’t pull through on time. You don’t manage to print the shirts in time for the race.

The race organizers are  pissed  and they want a full refund. You wind up eating the cost of shipping each shirt to the race participants and lose thousands of dollars.

In a couple months, you can’t make bills and your business goes under.

This has happened.  Without rock-solid due dates, you can’t expect to please your customers…particularly if you’re delivering the swag for a big event.

Always leave room in your shop to hit due dates. We suggest setting your print dates well before the day the customer actually wants the product – it’s crucial to your business’ survival!

Pricing set too low

Pricing is tough and everyone knows it.

Set your prices too high and you can’t get sales.

Set your prices too low and you go out of business.

But it’s not impossible!

You have a lot of fixed costs in screen printing. The more you can print, the more profitable you can be (ideally). So don’t fall in the trap of offering nonsensical price breaks.

We’ve explained how to do breakless pricing for screen printing – where your costs are calculated per each individual shirt ordered instead of broken down into tiers – and you can easily upload your shop’s unique prices to Printavo with our pricing matrices.

But here’s our #1 piece of advice to EVERY screen printer:  raise your prices.

Get free business lessons delivered to your inbox.

   

 PrintHustlers Podcast

• Start Business
• Grow Business

How to Start a Screen Printing Business – Complete Guide

• by Next What Business Research Team
• Business Plans , Clothing And Textile , Printing And Packaging
• August 31, 2024

Do you want to start a screen printing business? If yes, you have landed at the right place.

It is without saying, the screen printing business is a lucrative business across the globe. The screen printing market presents a wide range of prospects due to the developing apparel market and rising demand for customized products.

However, jumping into this industry without adequate preparation and knowledge can result in costly errors. We will walk you through the crucial processes and factors needed in starting a successful screen printing business in India in this tutorial.

Table of Contents

Here are the 10 Steps to Start Screen Printing Business

1. do market research.

Before launching your screen printing business, it’s essential to conduct thorough market research to identify your target audience and evaluate the competition. Determine the market demand for custom-printed products, such as t-shirts, hoodies, bags, and promotional items. By understanding your potential customer’s preferences and needs, you can tailor your services to meet their expectations effectively.

2. Create a Business Plan

Developing a comprehensive business plan is crucial for any entrepreneurial venture. Outline your business goals, target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and growth plans in a well-structured plan. Additionally, consider the legal aspects of starting a screen printing business in India.

3. Machinery and Equipment Required

To start a screen printing business in India, you will need various equipment and tools. Here are the essential items:

a) Screen Printing Press

A screen printing press is the core equipment used for printing designs on various substrates. There are manual, semi-automatic, and automatic options available. Choose a press that suits your production needs and budget.

Screens are the primary component in screen printing. These are frames with mesh stretched across them. The mesh holds the stencil or design that allows the ink to pass through onto the substrate. Purchase screens of different sizes and mesh counts to accommodate various print sizes and ink types.

c) Squeegees

Squeegees are used to apply the ink onto the screens and push it through the mesh onto the substrate. Opt for different sizes and types of squeegees depending on your printing requirements.

d) Emulsion and Emulsion Coater

An emulsion is a light-sensitive material that is applied to the screens to create the stencil. Use an emulsion coater to evenly coat the screens with emulsion and ensure proper exposure and washout of the stencil.

e) Exposure Unit

An exposure unit is used to expose the screens with the emulsion-coated stencil to UV light. This process hardens the emulsion, creating the areas through which the ink will pass during printing.

f) Flash Dryer or Conveyor Dryer

A flash dryer or conveyor dryer is used to cure or dry printed designs. These machines help set the ink and ensure its durability. Choose a dryer that is suitable for the size of your prints and the type of ink you use.

Select high-quality screen printing inks that are compatible with the substrates you will be printing on. There are various types of inks available, such as plastisol, water-based, and discharge inks. Consider the durability, color range, and environmental impact of the inks.

h) Palette or Ink Mixing System

A palette or ink mixing system is necessary for accurately mixing and preparing custom colors. This allows you to match specific Pantone colors or create unique shades as per customer requirements.

i) Cleaning Supplies

Screen printing involves regular cleaning to maintain the quality of prints and prolong the life of screens. Have cleaning supplies such as emulsion removers, screen degreasers, and screen reclaimers on hand.

j) Drying Racks

Drying racks are used to lay out and dry printed garments or substrates. Invest in sturdy and well-ventilated racks to accommodate your production volume.

k) Heat Press

A heat press is optional but can be useful for heat-applying transfers or for curing certain types of specialty inks. Consider adding a heat press to your equipment if you plan to offer heat transfer printing services.

l) Computer and Design Software

A computer with design software such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW is essential for creating and manipulating artwork. This allows you to prepare the designs for screen printing.

Other tools you may need include a screen printing registration system, exposure calculator, screen tape, screen printing pallets, ink scoops, mixing spatulas, and cleaning brushes.

4. Make your Business Legal

In starting a small and medium-scale screen printing unit, you will need to obtain the following registrations and licenses.

• Business registration with ROC
• Trade License from Municipal Authority
• GST Registration
• Udyog Aadhaar MSME Registration
• NOC from Pollution Control Board
• IEC Code for export.

5. Arrange Funds

If you are short on funds, you can approach banks and private investors for startup funding for your screen printing business. It is worth mentioning here, that a professionally documented business project plan will be a key factor in getting approval for funds from banks.

Read:  Best Credit Cards in India

6. Screen Making and Preparation

Before you can start printing, you need to create screens with the desired design. Here’s a step-by-step process to guide you through screen making and preparation:

• Design Transfer: The first step is to transfer your design onto a transparency or film using specialized software or by hand drawing. It is important to ensure that the design is accurate and well-aligned.
• Emulsion Coating: Apply a light-sensitive emulsion to the screen mesh using a scoop coater. Make sure to coat both sides evenly and avoid any drips or streaks. Allow the emulsion to dry in a light-free environment.
• Exposure: Next, place the dried screen with the design transparency on top of it into an exposure unit. Expose the screen to UV light for the specified time, which will cure the emulsion and create a stencil of your design on the screen.
• Washing Out: After exposure, wash out the screen using a pressure washer or a hose with a spray nozzle. The water will remove the uncured emulsion, revealing the stencil. Be careful not to apply too much pressure and avoid washing away fine details.
• Drying: Finally, allow the washed-out screen to dry completely before you can use it for printing. Ensure it is free of any moisture or water droplets to prevent ink smudging during the printing process.

7. Screen Printing Techniques and Processes

Screen printing involves various techniques and processes to achieve different effects and results. Here are some common techniques used in the screen printing industry:

Spot Color Printing: This technique involves printing each color in the design separately using individual screens. It is suitable for simple designs with solid colors.

CMYK Process Printing: CMYK process printing uses a combination of four colors – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) – to create a wide range of colors. It is commonly used for detailed and full-color designs.

Specialty Inks: You can explore specialty inks such as metallic, glow-in-the-dark, or puff inks to add unique effects to your prints. These inks require specific handling and curing methods, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Heat Transfers: Heat transfers involve printing the design onto a transfer paper or vinyl and then applying it to the substrate using heat and pressure. This method is suitable for smaller quantities or intricate designs.

All-Over Printing: All-over printing covers the entire surface of the substrate with the design. It is commonly used for t-shirt printing and requires specialized equipment and larger screens.

8. Pricing Your Services

Determining the right pricing for your screen printing services is crucial for profitability and competitiveness. Consider the following factors when setting your prices:

Costs : Calculate all your expenses, including equipment, supplies, labor, overhead costs, and marketing expenses. Factor in a reasonable profit margin to ensure sustainability.

Market Analysis : Research the prices offered by competitors in your area. Analyze their quality, services, and customer base to position your pricing accordingly. Avoid underpricing that may devalue your services or overpricing that may discourage potential customers.

Value-added Services : Consider offering value-added services such as design consultation, rush orders, or free delivery to justify slightly higher prices. Highlight the unique benefits customers can expect when choosing your business.

Pricing Structure : Determine whether you will charge per print, per color, or based on the complexity of the design. Use a transparent and easy-to-understand pricing structure to avoid confusion and disputes.

9. Managing Finance

Proper financial management is crucial for the sustainability and growth of your screen printing business. Here are some tips to effectively manage your finances:

Budgeting : Create a comprehensive budget that includes all your expenses, such as equipment, supplies, rent, utilities, marketing, and salaries. Regularly review and adjust your budget as needed.

Tracking Income and Expenses : Maintain accurate records of all your income and expenses. Use accounting software or spreadsheets to track your cash flow and ensure you’re staying within your budget.

Separate Business and Personal Finances : Open a dedicated business bank account and separate your personal finances from your business finances. This will make it easier to track your business transactions and maintain transparency.

Invoice and Payment Management : Implement an efficient invoicing system to ensure timely payments from clients. Clearly communicate your payment terms and follow up on overdue payments to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Inventory Management : Keep track of your inventory to avoid overstocking or running out of essential supplies. Regularly review your inventory levels and reorder materials in advance to avoid disruptions in production.

Seek Professional Advice : Consider consulting with an accountant or financial advisor to ensure you’re making informed decisions regarding taxes, financial planning, and managing your business finances effectively

1o. Have a Marketing Plan

To attract customers and establish your screen printing business in the market, effective marketing and branding strategies are crucial. Here are some ideas to promote your business:

Online Presence : Create a professional website and social media accounts to showcase your services and portfolio. Optimize your online presence for search engines by using relevant keywords like “screen printing business in India” to increase your visibility.

Samples and Catalogs : Develop a catalog showcasing your work and offer free samples to potential clients. This allows them to see the quality of your prints firsthand and encourages them to place orders.

Networking : Attend industry events, trade shows, and local business networking events to connect with potential clients, suppliers, and collaborators. Build relationships and create partnerships to expand your reach in the market.

Referrals and Word-of-Mouth : Encourage satisfied customers to refer your business to others by offering incentives such as discounts on future orders. Positive word-of-mouth recommendations can significantly boost your business.

Collaborations : Collaborate with local businesses, organizations, or influencers to create custom merchandise or promotional items. This helps increase brand exposure and reach a wider audience.

Online Advertising : Utilize online advertising platforms like Google Ads and social media ads to target your specific audience. Create engaging ad campaigns that highlight your unique selling points and drive traffic to your website.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How much does it cost to start a screen printing business.

The cost of starting a screen printing business in India can vary depending on factors such as the size of the operation, the quality of equipment and materials, and the location. On average, you can expect to invest anywhere between INR 5 lakhs to INR 20 lakhs.

Do I need any prior experience or training in screen printing?

While prior experience or training in screen printing can be beneficial, it is not a requirement. You can learn the techniques and processes through online tutorials, workshops, or by working with experienced printers. Practice and experimentation will help you refine your skills.

How long does it take to set up a screen printing business?

The time required to set up a screen printing business can vary depending on various factors such as acquiring equipment and supplies, setting up your workspace, and obtaining necessary permits or licenses. On average, it can take around 2-4 weeks to get everything in place.

How can I attract customers to my screen printing business?

Effective marketing strategies such as creating a strong online presence, offering samples, networking, and collaborating with local businesses can help attract customers to your screen printing business. Providing quality products, excellent customer service, and competitive pricing will also contribute to customer retention.

How do I ensure the quality of my prints?

It is essential to use high-quality materials, properly calibrate your equipment, and maintain consistency in the printing process. You need to regularly perform test prints, inspect the finished products, and seek feedback from customers to continually improve your printing quality.

What are some common challenges in the screen printing business?

Some of the common challenges in the screen printing business are the following:

• Manage color accuracy
• Maintain consistent quality across different print runs
• Equipment maintenance and repairs, a
• Staying updated with new design trends. E

You can overcome these challenges with proper planning, continuous learning, and adapting to market demands.

Discover more from NextWhatBusiness

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Type your email…